Fulham boss plans to stick with youngsters

Boss Felix Magath plans to continue putting his faith in Fulham’s youngsters as the club battle against relegation.

Magath initially banked on the Whites’ more experienced players and shipped youngsters Larnell Cole and Ryan Tunnicliffe, who signed from Manchester United in January, out on loan.

But after Fulham failed to win in his first three matches in charge, the German has selected the likes of Alex Kacaniklic and Cauley Woodrow, while Patrick Roberts, 17, was on the bench for Saturday’s victory against Newcastle.

And Magath said: “The decision was based on the last games. I had thought that, in this situation, the older players are more confident – but they weren’t.

“I gave the experienced players a chance first but if it doesn’t work then I have to do something else.

“The young players like Cauley are more exciting. They have nothing to lose and give us good motivation, and I think they give us more of a chance to stay up.”

Woodrow gave a solid display against the Magpies, while Kacaniklic was impressive and looks likely to keep his place.

“Cauley played very well. I’m convinced that he will have a future and I also think that in Patrick Roberts we have an extraordinary talent here,” Magath added.

“Pat is a player for the future and if the game was heading in a different way then I’d have put him on to score.

“He is only 17 but he is a very good goalscorer and he will do it in the Premier League too.”

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