Billy Davies is confident Nottingham Forest will overcome their recent hiccup, insisting: 'We haven't become a bad side.'

The Reds face Sheffield United at The City Ground tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) looking to bounce back after successive away day defeats.

But Forest are still in third spot in the table, just four points adrift of second place West Brom.

Boss Davies remains upbeat - and is urging Forest followers to adopt the same approach.

"I don't think anyone has turned the league table upside down and we're now third from bottom," he declared.

"The league table doesn't lie - we've played some wonderful flowing football that has prompted many people to say nice things about us.

"Just because we've encountered a slight blip doesn't mean we have turned into a bad side overnight and it doesn't mean I've become a bad manager.

"What is important is that our fans, through the thick and thin and the good and the bad, have got to remain very positive."

Forest will be gunning for an eighth successive home league win this evening but have found success harder to come by on the road in recent weeks.

Defeats at Derby, Coventry and Doncaster may have prompted some people to question their credentials - but the belief of Davies and his backroom staff has not wavered.

He adds: "I've been saying for some time now that there will be ups and downs between now and the end of the season and good runs and bad runs.

"I know because I've been through it all before - that's the benefit of experience.

"But the most important thing is that we're sitting in a very healthy position and we've played some of the most outstanding football that has been seen at this club for a number of years.

"The team have entertained our fans brilliantly.

"But people have got to keep faith with a young side that is maturing because they will have blips and off days."