Sean Davis will be back in Chris Coleman’s good books after scoring the volley which sent Fulham surging back into the race for Europe.
The midfielder, dropped for last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Liverpool as punishment for breaking a late-night curfew over Easter, thundered home from 20 yards in the 65th minute.
Steed Malbranque gave Fulham the lead in the 16th minute, sending Dean Kiely the wrong way from the penalty spot after the keeper brought down Luis Boa Morte.
Coleman was a happy man after his side revive their hopes of Europe.
“We needed that result if we were to keep our hopes alive of finishing in the top six,” he said.
“It looks like no-one wants to claim the UEFA Cup spot. We’re seventh and it’s all to play for.”
Coleman acclaimed Davis’ contribution after his disciplinary problems.
“Sean shut me up and I’m glad,” the boss said. “On the goal, he’ll probably claim the first touch was deliberate but I don’t think it was. The second touch certainly was deliberate though.
“When Sean’s on that type of form, he’s a very good player and can’t be far off knocking on the England door.
“He was full of enthusiasm and he was trying to prove a point to me as I’d left him out.
“I didn’t live like a priest when I was a player. I always enjoyed a beer with the lads – but I didn’t do it 48 hours before a game.”
Coleman conceded his side had luck on their side when Charlton’s penalty appeals were turned down.
“You see them given,” he added. “They had a few decisions turned down and sometimes you get them and sometimes you don’t.
