Chris Coleman hailed Roy Carroll’s goalkeeping heroics after the West Ham man made crucial saves before the Hammers put Fulham to the sword at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Fulham boss felt the former Manchester United custodian kept the visitors in an absorbing contest by denying Claus Jensen and Brian McBride in quick succession.

“I thought he pulled off two fantastic saves, with his foot from Claus Jensen and Brian McBride’s header, and then he’s tipped another one over the bar. If we go in 1-0 up or 2-0 up, that really takes the sting out of them. That’s why he’s been a Man United player. We couldn’t really afford to bring him down here if I am honest with you. How much did he cost? Two million quid? I don’t think we can really pay two million for a goalkeeper.”