Fulham striker Vincenzo Montella has vowed to repay the faith shown in him by manager Chris Coleman and the Cottagers fans when he returns to action.

The on-loan Roma striker still has one game left to serve in a three-match ban following his dismissal in last month’s FA Cup defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

Montella, who had never been sent off in his 15-year professional career prior to the red card against Spurs, will return to play some part in Fulham’s last eight matches of the season.

The former Italy international netted four goals in his first five games for the Cottagers and is desperate to return to action.

“I only feel good when I am able to play football,” he said. “Unfortunately, my error has meant that I am unable to play for about a month.

“The manager and the team, they understood how upset I was feeling. They spoke to me and told me to be patient and calm.

“I am aiming to do better, to be able to play the remaining games of the season with continuity and show what I am capable of.

“I am using this period to train as much as I can to be in the best possible condition when I return to action.

“I am disappointed I am missing games, but this makes me even more determined to do well when I return.”