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Aitor Karanka says he still has a decision to make over the future of Thomas Lam at Nottingham Forest.

The versatile defender has impressed the Reds boss with his efforts in pre-season and Karanka is tempted to keep the Finnish international at the City Ground this season.

But with Michael Dawson, Joe Worrall, Tobias Figueiredo, Danny Fox and Jack Robinson all ahead of him in the pecking order in the centre of defence – and with Anel Ahmedhodzic also having done well so far this summer, Lam could find his first team opportunities limited in the back four.

Lam, 24, is also capable of performing in a defensive midfield role but, even there he would face stern competition for a place from Ben Watson, Jack Colback, Adlene Guedioura, Liam Bridcutt and Ryan Yates, if he is not sent out on loan himself.

(Image: Dan Westwell)

Karanka concedes that Lam’s efforts in pre-season have left him with a problem to solve, when it comes to debating whether to send the player out for another loan move, following his spell with FC Twente last season, where he started 28 games and scored three goals.

“He is player who we have seen playing as a central defender and he has played (against Scunthorpe) as a midfielder. He can play both positions,” said Karanka.

“He is a good player and he is another who I have to think a lot about.

“He is doing well, his attitude has been really good since he has been here.

“I like to have these kind of problems. It might be difficult to find a solution to these problems. But every single possible solution is a good one for Nottingham Forest.”

Lam is likely to be involved again when the Reds complete their pre-season preparations with their final friendly, against Premier League Bournemouth, tomorrow.

Karanka still hopes to make one further addition before the game, with Forest looking to sign a right back.

Sam Bryam remains top of their list of targets, but Forest do have a number of alternative options, including Bristol Rovers' Tom Lockyer.