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Aitor Karanka says it was all about the "attitude" for Nottingham Forest, as the 10-man Reds kept going right until the end to secure a dramatic win over Bury.

Forest needed an injury time equaliser from Matty Cash to force penalties, after a difficult first half had seen the League Two side take a second minute lead – before Jordan Smith was sent off 12 minutes before the interval to leave the home side facing an uphill battle.

But, while it might not always have been pretty, Karanka was pleased with the manner his side kept fighting until the end, to earn themselves a place in the second round of the EFL Cup with a dramatic 10-9 victory in the penalty shootout.

“I was pleased with the way we kept going. Today was about the attitude,” said Karanka, who changed his entire starting XI following the Championship win over Reading.

“The players on the pitch are really good players. They are all Championship or even Premier League quality players.

“It was difficult for them, after we changed 11 players. But the attitude they showed me it the most important thing.

“The important thing is that we can now have a good draw, hopefully. I told them before the game that the important thing was to get through to the next round.

(Image: Ritchie Sumpter @ JMS Photography)

“It has been a typical Cup game. We conceded an early goal and the keeper got sent off early in the game… but the important thing is that we did believe until the end.

“They wanted to at least get an equaliser – and then we had more luck than them in the penalty shootout. I think we deserved to go through because we had the chances to win, even with 10 men. They had one or two moments, but I think we deserved to go through.”

Smith was sent off for bringing down Dominic Telford just outside the box in the 33rd minute, but Luke Steele came off the bench to both score in the shootout – and make the vital save that took them through.

(Image: Ritchie Sumpter @ JMS Photography)

“I did not see, but I think it was the right decision. Nobody was really complaining. But the important thing is that we equalised and we got through. Now we will think about the game on Saturday,” said Karanka.

“All of the (players making their debuts) gave me food for thought. I told them that we wanted to approach the game in the right way. But with the sending off it was difficult.

“You told me yesterday that (Steele) had a good run in the Cup last season with Bristol City, so perhaps it was a mistake not to listen to you… no, seriously, I am pleased for Luke because when you are a keeper and you go onto the pitch with 10 men, it is always difficult.

“He has been good during the game.

“For Jordan, this is football. This is life. For sure he will learn. He is young and he has a good future. This kind of thing helps you to learn.

“He is surrounded with good players and good people in the changing room and he will come back stronger from this.”