Fulham captain Lee Clark has put Collins John’s recent good form down to an improved work ethic displayed by the young forward.
The Dutch Under-21 international has kept Andy Cole out of the starting line-up in recent weeks and scored on Saturday as The Cottagers secured a good 2-0 win over Everton.
Since moving to Craven Cottage last January from Twente Enschede John has always threatened to impress, although is now staking a claim for regular first team football, a situation his captain puts down to hard graft.
“We all know the ability he’s got. He loves to score goals and he’s got fantastic technique,” Clark said.
“But what he’s done over the last few weeks since he’s come into the side is work tremendously hard. He’s worked hard off the ball for the team and now he’s getting his rewards.”
The win over Everton saw Fulham confirm their place in next year’s Premiership, although Clark has higher aspirations for Mohammed Al-Fayed’s team.
Under Chris Coleman Fulham have proved to be a resilient outfit, although Clark insists that the success of The Toffees this season shows how consistency must be achieved if the side are to progress.
“When we put in a performance like that against Everton it emphasises how much we have underachieved this season. To only be getting out of relegation danger now is not good enough with the quality of players we have.
“Consistency is the key to success in this division and we have not put a consistent run together at any time this season.
“If you take Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal out of the equation, from fourth top to the bottom, any team who can put a good spell of wins together will do well – Everton have proved that this season.
“We should have been able to do that this season and that’s what we’ll be looking to do next year.”
