Fulham youngsters issued with challenge

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Fulham manager Martin Jol has urged the club’s youngsters to prove they are worthy of a first-team place.

Winger Alex Kacaniklic, 21, returned from a loan spell at Burnley on Thursday, while 22-year-old defender Matthew Briggs is currently on loan at Watford.

Other youngsters such as the exciting Kerim Frei are on the fringes of the senior side and Jol is keen for them to progress.

The Dutchman said: “I’ve got a few youngsters but they have to do well – they have to work hard and develop themselves.

“Briggs is a youngster and is playing for loan clubs but he has to do well. If he doesn’t, you can’t expect me to play him in the first team.

Alex Kacaniklic of Fulham
Kacaniklic was recalled by Jol from his loan spell.

“Kacaniklic is another one – he did okay. Kerim Frei is one of them, Chris David is another one.

“But they have to be good enough to play in the first team. How many players in England who are 18 or 19 years old can play in the first team?

“They have to prove they are as good as someone who is already in the squad, so it’s not an easy one.”

Jol added: “I am 100% certain with the academy we’ve got, which is maybe one of the best in England, that Fulham will have one or two [youngsters], but it’s not easy.

“I’m always happy and respectful to my older players.”

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