Thursday, January 31, 2008

Fulham News

Yesterday, Team Captain Brian McBride completed 90 minute match for the Reserves, putting him on pace to return to full action with the First Team in short order. Fulham Manager Roy Hodgson noted, though:
"We mustn't overestimate the level of opposition. It was an extremely young Cardiff team and that game was nothing like a Premier League game but the really positive thing is that our captain, Brian, who is a really influential character and person, is well on the road to recovery. We’re hoping that if he continues at this rate it won’t be long before we see him in the First Team."
McBride could start seeing action as substitute in the coming weeks. McBride is recovering from dislocated patella and related damage to his knee he suffered in the third match of the season.

McBride's return could not come at a more fortuitous time as the Cottagers are looking to escape relegation.

In other news, Eddie Johnson has been permitted dispensation from U.S. National Team Coach Bob Bradley to miss the remainder of the U.S. Training camp in advance of the Feb. 6 friendly against Mexico. Johnson will return to Craven Cottage and begin full training at Motspur Park shortly. Along with Erik Nevland, Johnson's joining the team and McBride's return, Hodgson will soon have a full complement of striking options, something the team has been sorely lacking in recent months. Said Hodgson:
"Clint Dempsey is playing as our lone striker and is, in actual fact, a midfield player. We have new strikers now to bring into the team alongside David Healy, who is a different type of striker.

In Nevland and Johnson we have two out and out central strikers to bring in. I think they’ll make us better in that area but you have to take things step by step."
After a scoreless draw against Bolton (coupled with some strong play), it may be the Fulham is ready to turn a corner. I certainly hope so.

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