Nottingham Forest have been told they will not be thrown out of the Carling Cup for naming an ineligible player amongst their substitutes.

Brian Cash was on the bench for Forest but did not come on, but has already played in the competition whilst on loan at Rochdale.

Forest admitted their mistake to the Football League, but have been assured that they will not face expulsion from the competition.

Forest beat Doncaster Rovers 2-0 on the night, and are due to face Premiership Fulham at home in a potentially lucrative fourth round tie.

The League has launched an enquiry into a ‘technical breach of the rules’ but chief executive Mark Arthur confirmed that the punishment would not see them pushed out of the competition.

“We acknowledge we were guilty of a technical breach, but have been told that it will not stop us progressing to the fourth round as Brian did not participate in the game