Nottingham Forest ambassador John McGovern believes that Henri Lansbury can become an important figure for the club.
The 24-year-old was the subject of a bid from Premier League side Burnley during the summer, before signing a new deal at the City Ground.
Former Forest midfielder McGovern believes that while Lansbury may have been distracted by the interest shown in him, he can focus on performing to the best of his ability now that his future is secured.
"If he settles down now – and sometimes signing a new deal can distract players, which is why managers don't like to go through that process during the season, because it can be a distraction – he can be a key figure," McGovern told the Nottingham Post.
"The interest from other clubs will have been a distraction too, in the summer. But he is an experienced player and we know that, if he plays as well as he can do, he will be okay.
"He is an experienced player who can help dominate things in midfield for Forest."
Lansbury has scored three goals in 15 appearances for the Reds this season.
