Stuart Pearce defiant after Sheffield Wednesday defeat

Nottingham Forest boss Stuart Pearce has told his players that they must not feel sorry for themselves following Saturday's defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

Forest's recent slump continued at the City Ground yesterday afternoon as they were beaten 2-0 by the Owls.

Despite falling to 13th place in the Championship table, Pearce is confident that his team is capable of ending their eight-game winless run sooner rather than later.

"We are suffering a lack of confidence at the minute, but I told the players that we cannot feel sorry for ourselves. I certainly can't," the former England and Forest defender told BBC Sport.

"We are going to have to work hard and work through this. Last week we thought things were tough then, all of a sudden, you feel even more depressed. But it is important that the group do not hide.

"I do have the confidence that we can turn this around. The nature of football is so volatile that things can change very quickly. We need a victory and we need one soon, to turn our fortunes around at this time. I am more disappointed for the fans than myself."

Forest are back in Championship action on January 17 when they travel to local rivals Derby County.