Everton midfielder Kieran Dowell is facing a major test at Nottingham Forest.

Dowell has lost his form in recent weeks and Forest hero Garry Birtles believes the youngster faces a test of character.

"This is perhaps the first test of character he has faced as a first team player since coming to the City Ground," Birtles said in his latest Nottingham Post column.

“Unfortunately, playing Academy football has a major flaw in that players aren't exposed to the mental and physical rigours of men's football.

“The Championship is an unforgiving league. This is someone who was thrown into a massive arena, playing in front of thousands of people regularly for the first time.

“He hit the ground running and has scored 10 goals, but now he is battling a little bit.

“The 20-year-old is struggling to produce what he is capable of on the kind of regular basis we hope for. Times like this can be real sink or swim moments for young players. They can fall by the wayside or rise to the challenge."