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Liam Bridcutt: Leeds exit surprised me, but it's their loss and Forest's gain

Nottingham Forest midfielder Liam Bridcutt admits he was surprised when he discovered he was not in Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen's plans for this season.

Bridcutt, 28, should make his Forest debut against his former side, live on Sky Sports Football at 5.30pm on Saturday.

He was captain for the majority of Leeds' campaign last season, but after Garry Monk left the club to be replaced by Spaniard Christiansen, Bridcutt admitted to Sky Sports that there was "no reason" behind him not being in the new manager's plans.

CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 08: Liam Bridcutt of Leeds United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City and Leeds United at the Cardif
Image: Liam Bridcutt joined Nottingham Forest from Leeds for an undisclosed fee

Asked if he was surprised, Bridcutt said: "Definitely. You never really see it coming. But as I say it's their loss and Forest's gain, and for me it was a difficult point and there was no reason behind it.

"It was a new manager, and he obviously had his select of players and I wasn't one of them. For me now it's just to prove everyone wrong."

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Regarding his potential Forest debut against his former side, Bridcutt said: "That's football for you. I like to be put in at the deep end, and I think this is probably the biggest game I could have had really.

"I had a good period at Leeds, got on well with everybody, I just needed to get out and get some games. It felt right to move, but I left on good terms and I'm still good friends with a lot of people there.

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"It's another game to me, I'm not going to put more pressure on myself, I just have to go out there and do what I've got to do."

Bridcutt, who made 52 appearances in two seasons at Elland Road, admits it is time for him now to prove his worth, and says working under Forest manager Mark Warburton was one of the main reasons he chose the City Ground.

"The big point of me moving was to do with the manager. I've seen him work previously, the style of football his teams have played, and I think it suits me massively. Everyone who I've spoken to that has worked with him have always said positive things to say.

Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton
Image: Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton is the main reason Bridcutt joined, says the midfielder

"I've seen a few of the games this season. I think the manager has come in and changed things, and has given the boys the confidence and belief and freedom to play good football.

"When I first heard it was Forest in for me, it's another big club for me, another big step in my career. It's the point of my career where I need to get in as many games as I can and prove my worth."

Watch the full interview with Bridcutt as Nottingham Forest host Leeds, live on Sky Sports Football at 5.30pm on Saturday

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