Vitor Pereira seeking spirit of Clough as Nottingham Forest try to topple 'Europa League king' Unai Emery

Vitor Pereira says the legend of Brian Clough will act as inspiration for Nottingham Forest as they try to topple the “King of the Europa League” Unai Emery.

That is the label the former Wolves boss bestowed on his Villa counterpart, a four-time winner of the competition, ahead of their meeting in Thursday’s semi-final first leg.

Pereira is the first manager since Clough to lead Forest into the last four of European competition.

And he admitted the dream of emulating the two-time European Cup winner is a source of motivation.

“Of course he (Clough) is an inspiration,” said Pereira.

“Tomorrow is a big chance for us, for our supporters and for the club to reach a final.

“We will do everything we can to move forward.”

Pereira revealed he had visited Clough’s statue in Nottingham city centre this week and continued: “He was a strong character. We can imagine what he was in this city.

“He did something fantastic which stays in the heart of the people until now and for new generations for us.

“He is an inspiration for us and we want to do our best to try and emulate what he did.”

Thursday’s match is Forest’s first European semi-final since they reached the last four of the Uefa Cup in 1984.

The club’s proud pedigree is not lost on players with defender Ola Aina explaining: ‘Every time I see John McGovern at training, I think ‘Champions League’ winner … so it’s not such a far fetched dream to have’.

“Winning silverware would be fantastic, no one can take that away from you. Hopefully this game is another stepping stone towards that.”

Pereira, sacked by Wolves in October after taking just two points from the first 10 Premier League matches, has masterminded a revival at Forest since becoming the club’s fourth permanent manager of the season when he replaced Sean Dyche in February.

Forest have scored nine goals in their last two matches to move five points clear of the top flight’s relegation zone and will face Villa full of confidence, albeit with Pereira facing a possible injury headache in defence.

Centre-back Murillo is definitely out, with his most likely replacement, fellow Brazilian Jair Cunha, also struggling.

“All I want to see on Thursday, is a team playing with no fear,” said Pereira. “We must be prepared to to fight until the end.”