Mitrovicheaps praise on Fulham captain after brace against Reading

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has heaped praise on club-captain Tom Cairney, who has found his goalscoring boots this term. The Scotland international had a forgettable stint in the Premier League last season with just one goal but he has found his scoring touch on the club’s return to the second tier.

Cairney has scored four goals from the past three appearances for the club and he recently bagged a brace against Reading which included a stunning 25-yard strike. Speaking to reporters, Mitrovic said that Cairney is a great player and scorer, but he was hesitant to shoot on goal when the Cottagers were in the Premier League.

He told: “He has started scoring again this season and that is good for him and the team. He is a great player and scorer. He knows that he has the ability to come up with goals for the team, with his shooting from distance or running into the area. And he created a lot as well. We told him all the time in training that we know the goals will come for him, because he has that ability, especially from long range. Last season maybe his confidence dropped a bit and he stopped trying to shoot.”

Fulham did not have the best of starts to the Championship season but they have recently picked up their form and are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak. That run sees them occupying the fifth spot on the table and they are within a couple of points off Leeds United, who are holding onto the second automatic promotion place.

For the weekend, the west London side are scheduled to face Charlton Athletic at home. The Addicks made a strong start to the season but they have dropped down the table over the past few weeks. Still, Lee Bowyer’s side are just one point behind Fulham and can’t be taken for granted, considering they recently got the better of Leeds United with a 1-0 triumph.