THE Golden Boys today (Saturday) make their first visit to the City Ground since the winter of 2004, a time when Will Hoskins was just 18 and still establishing himself at Rotherham.

On the last occasion a Heidar Helguson brace was enough to secure three valuable away points for the 'Orns.

Given the chance it's a feat that Hoskins would love to emulate, but first of all he has to build on his recent first strike for the club and establish himself in the first team.

Born in Nuthall, a northerly suburb of Nottingham, Hoskins will be back home for the Championship clash this afternoon, but the local lad makes it clear that there will be no divided loyalties.

He said: "I supported Man United as a kid. Obviously a lot of my mates supported Forest so when I went there on loan there was a lot of hype.

"It's a game I'm looking forward to. It's going to be a good game I know that much."

Hoskins played for the Reds on loan last season in League One and it gave him a unique insight into what the Hornets can expect on Saturday.

The striker added: "They're a good passing side - they've got a lot of youth in the team and they like to get it down and play football."

The addition of experienced heads such as Andy Cole and Rob Earnshaw will only add to the threat posed by Forest.

However they've had to cope with a lot of injuries so far this season so it is difficult to tell what kind of side the Golden Boys will face this weekend.

Forest have had an illustrious history. They are still the only English club to ever retain the European Cup.

But did Hoskins feel any added pressure putting on a Forest shirt as a result - do the past heroics of the club weigh heavy on those who wear the current jersey?

"Yeah you could feel it. There were lots of pictures around the place showing all their successes.

"It's a big ground as well and I think although they were in League One it still felt like a big club.

"I think that's why every game that Forest played in League One was a hard one because it was a big game for the opposition.

"Now they're still a big club with many others around them.

"But because they're in the Championship each game has become bigger for Forest now so we'll see how they cope this year."

Unfortunately for Hoskins, his loan spell at the City Ground was blighted by injury.

For him it marked a time in his life when he needed to be nearer his home city. He remembers: "It was nice being back home. I was going through a difficult time when I went there so it was a shame that I got injured. Obviously it wasn't meant to be."

His time back home however does seem to have breathed new life into the young striker who has had a rocky period since signing for the Hornets in a joint deal with midfielder Lee Williamson in January 2007.

Trying to put the past behind him Hoskins has begun this campaign with renewed vigour.

He bagged his first senior goal for the Golden Boys in last week's Carling Cup first round victory, scoring the winning goal over Bristol Rovers with just minutes remaining.

It was certainly a weight off his young shoulders - "It's been a long time coming" said Hoskins. "I came in early for pre-season and wanted to do well for my own pride.

"I had a lot of things that I wanted to achieve and I think by reaching these goals I can really help the club as well.

"Now I just have to carry on from that goal, build new heights and step-up."

Buoyed by his first goal, Hoskins seems to be full of confidence and is looking for every opportunity to contribute for the first team.

However with Tommy Smith playing so well in his favoured position just off the front-man, he is confident but realistic.

"It's just tough because Tommy's doing well in that position but I think that's good healthy competition.

"He's there scoring and if not I know I can come in and score as well so I think we'll be ok for goals."

The new style of play is also suiting the ex-Rotherham man down to the ground - allowing him to drift between midfield and defence, taking the ball into feet.

"I like to play short" commented Hoskins. "I will hustle and bustle for the ball if I need to but I like to try and play clever football. 

"It's been quite a dramatic change from the long-ball to a passing game but I think we're coping really well and I think we've got the players to do that."

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