Fulham boss Chris Coleman has told Heidar Helguson he must continue playing second fiddle to Brian McBride and Tomasz Radzinski – but predicted his time would come.
Helguson opened his Fulham account with the second goal in Wednesday night’s 5-4 Carling Cup victory over Lincoln and also set up Zesh Rehman’s opener.
It was a fitting way for the Iceland international to mark his full debut after signing for £1.3million from Watford over the summer, yet his efforts will not give him the first-team place he craves.
The 28-year-old will be back on bench duty for Monday night’s Barclays Premiership clash against Tottenham with Radzinski and McBride remaining the preferred strike pairing.
But Coleman has promised Helguson he will be given an extended run in the side and declared the striker’s patience points to a bright future at Craven Cottage.
“When Heidar came to the club he knew he would be providing back-up for Tomasz Radzinski and Brian McBride,” said Coleman.
“Luckily his attitude is great and I’m delighted he’s here. It’s only a matter of time before he gets his chance. We mustn’t expect too much from him because it’s a big step up to the Premiership from the Championship.
“But he’s played international football and knows he must be patient. Because his attitude is spot on we’re not worried about the situation.”
Helguson will be one of a host of casualties from the Carling Cup thriller with Coleman reinstating as many of his first team as his growing injury list will allow.
