Tendayi Darikwa hopes Nottingham Forest fans will be throwing their weight behind Zimbabwe, as they head into their African Cup of Nations adventure in Egypt.

The Reds defender says he is looking forward to testing himself against some of the best players in the world - starting with Liverpool’s Mo Salah, as Zimbabwe face tournament hosts Egypt in the opening game on Friday June 21.

Darikwa thanked the Reds for the support they have shown him, as he continues his international career - and he hopes to do his country proud.

“My club has been really supportive of me since l arrived in camp,” said Darikwa, in an interview with the Herald. “I am sure everyone back in Nottingham is fully supporting Zimbabwe to do well in this tournament.

Tendayi Darikwa was back in the Forest side at Preston

“Of course, this is a big opportunity for me personally to show my club and show everyone that I can do well at the stage against some of the best players in the world.

“With this being my first opportunity to represent Zimbabwe in such a major tournament, I am very excited and it’s an honour to be part of this squad. I am really looking forward to playing in the first game against Egypt.

“I think as a team we are all very confident in ourselves and we have got belief that we can do very well in this tournament.”

Darikwa, 27, who grew up in West Bridgford, says the more experienced players in the squad have been helping him to prepare for the challenges of a major tournament - and to get to grips with the language, Shona.

“I think it helps that some of the guys have played in previous Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and I am sure that experience they have on the big stage will help us moving forward,’’ said Darikwa.

“I am slowly picking up a few words, but moving forward it’s something I really want to try and speak fluently.

“It will help my understanding with my teammates a little bit better.”