STEVE Cotterill admitted the week leading up to a huge three points felt like a month.

The Burnley boss was again unable to finalise his team to face Forest until the 11th hour due to the recent spate of injuries.

But after picking up a badly-needed win thanks to Robbie Blake's goal - and welcoming strike partner Ian Moore back - Cotterill saluted his tight-knit squad.

He said: "That was very welcome - a big, big three points at the end of a very long hard week.

"It's been a long, hard month today, but credit to the players because it could have been easy to buckle.

"We were the better side in the first half and Forest were better in the second, but we were fortunate enough to get the goal and then it was good defending from the boys.

"We also welcomed back Ian Moore, who came on and gave it his all and we got there in the end.

"We only knew Ian would be alright on Thursday, but he has rehabilitated very quickly with the physio Andy Mitchell, who has been overworked recently, so it's been a tough time for everyone."

Robbie Blake ended all the arguments over his century of league goals by scoring the only one that really mattered in the sixth minute.

And Cotterill revealed that a change in his daily routine helped Blake break his six-game goal drought and reach the memorable milestone.

He said: "It was a great finish by Robbie after the debate over his 100th goal has been going on for such a long time.

"Talk about putting pressure on someone! I was having a chat with him before the game and he was telling me he's had his hair cut this week, he's changed his boots and driven to the ground a different way.

"Hopefully in a month he will be bald because it means he has kept scoring and had a hair cut every week!"

Cotterill, who now has a week to take stock and treat injuries before making the long trip to Brighton next weekend, added: "Brian Jensen's saves were equally important.

"We felt as if (Marlon) King shouldn't have got his second shot in, but that save and the one with his feet were both vital, so it's pleasing for him to keep a clean sheet.

"Goalkeepers like that and we're all pleased to get back to that."