It’s not just the Fulham fans who have noticed the marked improvement in Clint Dempsey’s game over the last nine months or so. The American midfielder, so impressive for club and country lately, won praise from his manager Roy Hodgson this afternoon.

During the 18 months I’ve been at the club he’s got better and better. Of course his performances in the Confederations Cup and not least his performances for Fulham in helping us get to seventh place are proof he’s actually becoming a better footballer.