Louis Saha has been passed fit for Fulham’s opening game of the season against Middlesbrough at Loftus Road tomorrow afternoon.

The French striker has successfully shaken off a hip problem that has dogged him for much of pre-season and is expected to lead the line for Chris Coleman’s side. The Welshman, about to embark on his first season in charge of the Whites after saving them from relegation having taken over from Jean Tigana at the tail end of last term, is without wantaway midfielder Sean Davies – who is sidelined by a knee injury – and centre back Andy Melville, who is likely to be out for around three weeks with an injured foot.