Matz Sels strives for FA Cup glory with Forest after taking second chance

Goalkeeper struggled at Newcastle but heroics in Nottingham has set up a chase for Europe on two fronts
Matz Sels might have thought his FA Cup story had ended with a humiliating defeat at League One Oxford United, in what turned out to be his final game of a forgettable spell at Newcastle. The Belgian, 33, was bought to be the club?s No 1 in 2016 but managed only 14 appearances in a turbulent period at St James? Park before departing for the serenity of Strasbourg two years later.
In five and a half seasons in France, Sels rebuilt his career. He won the Coupe de la Ligue in 2019 and was named Ligue 1?s best goalkeeper of the 2021-22 season. His consistency alerted teams to him but he was a long way down Nottingham Forest?s shortlist when they were looking for a goalkeeper in January 2024. The ?5m punt they took on him has paid off spectacularly though and Sels has an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City to look forward to on Sunday. His saves in three shootouts have helped Forest to get there.
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