Davies tells Forest to draw on history to achieve promotion

Billy Davies has called on his Nottingham Forest players to use the club's glory days as inspiration in their bid for promotion to the Premier League. Forest are seeking to return to the top flight for the first time since they were relegated in 1997, but their form has stuttered of late following the end of their 19-game unbeaten run.

Davies's side have suffered 1-0 defeats in three of their last four Championship matches, including Saturday's defeat at Doncaster.

But Davies is determined to achieve automatic promotion this term. "I've just said to the players, do you think John McGovern won two European Cups because everything went right throughout a season? Ask John McGovern what it takes to win two European Cups," he said.

Newcastle's lead at the top of the table stands at one point after Chris Hughton's side were held to a 1-1 draw at Swansea. Andy Carroll struck an 87th-minute equaliser after David Cotterill had put the Swans in front.

Hughton was relieved Carroll's display was rewarded as his side avoided a second straight loss. "It was a difficult game for Andy and the service could have been better," Hughton said.

"He put in a shift for the team and he would have been hoping for that one chance. I was delighted for him.''