Ex-Nottingham Forest 32-year-old gets World Cup nod, England are in his sights

Iran have finally named their squad for the World Cup in Qatar and ex-Nottingham Forest striker Karim Ansarifard has got the nod.

The 32-year-old talisman is with Omonia Nicosia this season and recently scored against Manchester United in the Europa League.

Ansarifard spent some time with Forest during the 2018/19 campaign. He was signed by Aitor Karanka and made 12 appearances.

The experienced performer will now head to the World Cup and this will probably be the last one he gets a chance to play at.

Ansarifard is closing in on 100 caps and will be looking to add to the 93 caps that he’s collected too far.

Forest never really saw the best of the Iranian during his time on Trentside. It wasn’t through a lack of trying though and his work rate was one of his strengths.

Ansarifard scored twice and claimed two assists during his short stay in England and he signed for AEK Athens following his departure.

The striker has already found the net 29 times for his country and it would be quite something if he can score at the World Cup.

Iran will take on England, Wales and the USA and the player will have the Three Lions in his sights first.

Ansarifard named in Iran squad for World Cup

The experienced talisman will be an intriguing player to look out for from a Forest perspective during the World Cup.

Ansarifard is a dangerous player on his day and one thing the Iranians won’t lack at the tournament is heart.

Iran should be comfortably dispatched by England on the second day of the tournament but the ex-Forest man might have other ideas.

Ansarifard was the sort of player who comes alive around the penalty area and England will need to watch him closely.

Given his experience, it will be interesting to see whether or not he gets the nod to start against Gareth Southgate’s men.

Ansarifard’s 12-game stint won’t live too long in the memory of Forest fans and hopefully, he won’t dampen England’s tournament next week.