AT ONE and the same time come 5pm tomorrow, the City Ground could be the scene for both a relegation wake and a promotion-chasing party.

Stuck in the middle, and perhaps unique among the tens of thousands inside the ground, will be Joe Garner.

The 23-year-old striker will be one of only a handful of neutrals watching from the sidelines as parent club Nottingham Forest host Scunthorpe United, where he has been on loan since January.

The former still have precious points to play for, the latter merely have pride.

Back to back wins over Leicester City and Bristol City saw the Reds recover their place in the top six after previously stumbling to seven points out of an available 33.

And they will hope to secure that position against an Iron side who are merely waiting for confirmation of their return to League One following last week's home defeat to Millwall.

As part of his temporary switch to Glanford Park Garner is not permitted to face Forest, giving him a chance to soak up what could prove a very mixed atmosphere.

"I'd love to play but it's in the agreement that I'm not allowed to play against them," said the former Carlisle United front man.

"I'll watch the game as a neutral and just enjoy it.

"I just wish both clubs the best and hope it's a good day out for the fans.

"Obviously Forest are pushing for the play-offs so it's a massive game for them.

"I think they've got more than enough to make it.

"They're a good side and it's a great club.

"If they perform to their potential, I think they can make the play-offs.

"They will be quietly confident if they get there.

"They will have as good a chance as anybody with their home record.

"It's heads or tails in the play-offs though, it's very tough.

"I'm sure it will be a sell-out tomorrow so they can get the fans right behind them."

To read Joe Garner's thoughts on his future and a potential full-time returnto Glanford Park, see a four-page Forest v Scunthorpe United preview in Friday's Scunthorpe Telegraph.