Marco Silva has described Fulham captain Tom Cairney as ‘a proper legend’.

The Scottish international is into his tenth year at Craven Cottage after signing a one-year contract extension this summer and made his 356th appearance on Wednesday night as the Whites beat Bristol City to reach the third round of the League Cup. Speaking to the press ahead of tomorrow’s derby against Chelsea, Silva pointed out that the 34 year-old had to recover from a serious knee problem to lead Fulham to a third promotion from the Championship and that the midfielder has been a key part of the Cottagers’ squad that has re-established itself in the top tier.

“Proper legend. Massive respect to TC. I’m really pleased for him, enjoying Premier League football with the Fulham shirt. I remember when I first joined the club, how he was after almost a season that he didn’t participate at all in the Premier League.

I’m really enjoying all the moments with him in the football club. He’s a top guy. He’s the captain of the club, probably not the most vocal guy, but represents other important things in our football club. The other things about him speaks about himself – what he did, what was important, the goals he scores, as you mentioned, up and downs in the club, promotions and after relegations. I’m really pleased that under me, he’s being just positive things.”