Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis McGugan has lavished praise on Orel Mangala.

McGugan has called Mangala the most complete midfielder at the club at present.

Despite the arrivals of Ibrahim Sangare and Argentina international Nicolas Dominguez in the summer, McGugan is a huge admirer of what Mangala offers in all departments.

"I'm really, really impressed with him. There was a point last year where he came out the team. When he came back in he had a massive impact. I feel he's probably the most complete midfielder in the squad," McGugan said on the latest Garibaldi Red podcast.

"When he first came it was a bit of a transformation. Bar Yatesy (Ryan Yates) we were quite lightweight in midfield. I think people thought he would be what Sangare is without us realizing how good of a footballer he is.

"Over time we've realized he's robust, strong and athletic but he takes the ball in any situation. That's the key thing for any midfielder - take the ball in any situation. You'll make mistakes and lose it but he's got confidence to do it.

"He can have confidence from having Sangare there. He doesn't have to be the strength and power so he can get on the ball more and create. He'd probably want more goals but he showed at Leeds last year he can do it. It's about getting him in those areas.

"He'll keep getting better and more confident. I'm very happy with what I've seen."