Nottingham Forest’s Carabao Cup penalty hero Dean Henderson will be banned from playing against parent club Manchester United in the semi-finals – unless Erik ten Hag grants him permission to play.
England stopper Henderson saved penalties from Ruben Neves and Joe Hodge as Forest triumphed 4-3 in Wednesday night’s shootout following a 1-1 draw.
Henderson, who is on a season-long loan at Forest from Old Trafford, had already made a number of important saves during the match itself.
But after Forest drew United in the two-legged semi-final later this month, it means Henderson is unlikely to be involved.
It means United would have to grant Forest permission to play Henderson against them in the semi-finals.
Wayne Hennessey would be likely to deputise in goal for the games, as was the case when United beat Forest 3-0 in the Premier League on December 27.
Forest manager Steve Cooper admitted the eligibility rule had left him frustrated.
‘I have only just thought of that, it is frustrating,’ he said. ‘After seeing the night he had tonight, he was excellent in the penalty shoot-out, but he was good in the game, more than good in the game.
‘It’s unfortunate. He’s part of our group, he is so invested in the group and how we work, what we’re trying to accelerate in terms of what we want to become.
‘To do that you need a really good goalkeeper. Not only is he committing as a goalkeeper, he is buying into being in the city and the greater good of the club.
‘It has put a dampener on it for me tonight.’
United advanced into the last four with a 3-0 win over League One Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night. Southampton will play Newcastle United in the other semi-final with a Wembley final at stake. (DailyMail)