Former Nottingham Forest striker Kevin Campbell says Jesse Lingard's struggles at the City Ground have come as no surprise to him.

Signed as a free agent from Manchester United in the summer, Lingard was heralded as Forest's greatest signing this century.

However, the England midfielder has failed to light the blue touch paper thus fair and has been workmanlike at best for his new club.

Campbell, for one, isn't surprised, explaining Lingard's game relies on the quality of those around him to bring out his best.

Speaking to Tribalfootball.com on behalf of Mr Gamble, Campbell explained: "I wasn't necessarily expecting big things from Jesse Lingard, I know what he can do, and I think many people know what Jesse Lingard can bring to a team.

"But the key to all of this was how do Nottingham Forest adapt to being in the Premier League.

"They've not been in the Premier League for 20+ years and it was always going to be how they adapt.

"Now, Jesse Lingard knows how to play in the Premier League, and I do think he'll come good and be more influential as the season goes on.

"But he needs the supporting cast to help in and if we're being honest, Nottingham Forest have been all over the place.

"As a team and a squad, they haven't been consistent in a good way, they've been consistently inconsistent.

"For Jesse Lingard to get a platform to deliver performances, he needs a supporting cast with him.

"Nottingham Forest haven't been consistent at the moment, but I'm sure they're all working hard to try and find that consistency.

"They need to get some wins under their belt and build a foundation which sometimes takes time.

"I do think Jesse Lingard will come good eventually, but it won't happen until they get settled."