Boss Jol sets Berbatov goal challenge

Martin Jol has challenged Dimitar Berbatov to double his goal tally in the final months of the season after the Bulgarian’s stunning volley clinched victory over Stoke.

Berbatov’s first-time rocket, which flew past Asmir Begovic, was his ninth goal of the campaign and perfectly marked his 200th appearance in the Premier League.

The Fulham boss now wants the striker to pass at least the 15-goal mark – and also joked he had been proved wrong after teasing Berbatov about his prowess.

Jol said: “At Tottenham I can remember him scoring a lot of great goals but I told him a couple of months ago he never scores from volleys anymore! That is why he came up to me after the goal.

“Dimitar always scores between 15 and 25 goals [each season] so it’d be silly to think that he can’t score 15 or 20 goals for us – that is what I always had in mind.

“We have other players who are prolific – Mladen Petric has six goals without really playing a lot – so we’ve got more players who can make a difference but Dimitar and Mark Schwarzer made a difference today.

“Mark made our day. We would’ve lost two points again if the penalty had have gone in.”

Jol conceded referee Lee Probert was right to award the spot-kick against Ashkan Dejagah after he raised his hands to block a cross inside the box.

The Dutchman said: “You want to protect your face but you can’t take that risk.

“I’m not sure if all the referees in England would’ve given it but I always thought it was possible [Probert would give it].”

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook