Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood trusts Nuno Espirito Santo’s judgement after being benched for last week’s defeat at Arsenal.
The striker played just 27 minutes of the 3-0 loss at Emirates Stadium after the international break. That was because he spent the previous fortnight playing for New Zealand in their World Cup qualifiers, scoring twice in an 8-0 win over Vanuatu and a hat-trick as the All Whites demolished Samoa 8-0.
The 22,000 mile round trip between Nottingham and Auckland meant the 32-year-old was given a breather and he has faith in the decisions made by his boss.
“It’s the way the manager wanted it,” said Wood before Saturday’s game with Ipswich. “I trust what he says and does. He’s earned that, from me and from the club. Unfortunately we didn’t win the game, but we have to trust what he’s doing is the best case for the team.
“I love playing for my country, always have and always will do. We have a big campaign coming up, pushing for the Wold Cup. We have more [qualifiers] in March which will determine if we go to the World Cup.
“It’s big high-pressure games that can elevate New Zealand football to a higher level. They mean a lot to me – it’s not something I’ve ever thought about turning down. It’s about doing the most I can if the body allows it.”
Wood also travelled to America to face Mexico and the USA in September and scored once in the All Whites’ 3-0 win over Tahiti in Vanuatu last month.
“Over the years, you learn tricks to put yourself in the best possible recovery status,” said Forest’s eight-goal top scorer. “We have great physios here and with New Zealand, we can switch into different time zones and loadings which matter massively when you are playing international football.
“I’ve done it for long enough. I know how to do it. I switch on time zones very easily. I don’t see it being an issue at all unless I’m arriving a day before game and that’s a different story.”