Davies is set to take charge of his first full season at Forest

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies says it is imperative he adds more defensive cover to the squad.

Davies has made no secret of his desire to sign defenders and said Saturday's friendly win over Birmingham showed how essential it is to bring in players.

"We have one or two gaps and that could cost us dearly if we don't address it," Davies told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"We are trying to sort it out. The problem is if we get injuries and this is the time to sort it."

Forest have made nine signings this summer, but Joel Lynch from Brighton is the only addition to the back four.

The Reds have been linked with Doncaster's Matt Mills and Leicester's Joe Mattock in recent weeks and Davies said the club will be frantically scouring the transfer market ahead of the first game of the season against Reading on Saturday.

"We are still short in one or two areas and one or two of these pieces of the jigsaw puzzle still have to be concluded," he said.

But despite concerns over the lack of defensive depth, Davies was delighted with his side's display in the 2-1 win over Premier League side Birmingham.

The Reds' goals were scored by David McGoldrick and Robert Earnshaw.

"I was impressed with the way in which we moved the ball around and the chances that we created," Davies said.

"We've got quality in the side and can adjust and change."

It rounded off a good week for Forest, who also drew 1-1 with Stoke City on Wednesday.

"With the substitutes we had , when we are putting on Earnshaw, Adebola, Tyson, McCleary and McGugan, it shows you the difference from last season when we were putting on a lot of young kids," Davies added.

"But it won't make life any easier if our attitude is not right every game. As long as we continue to approach the game in the right manner we certainly have got the quality to cause problems."

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