It would be a shame to lose Kagisho Dikgacoi on loan, especially as his past couple of cameos as a substitute have been pretty impressive. You can see his point – he’s obviously desperate to a secure a place in the South African squad for his home World Cup – but I think he might have ideas above his station if he believes he should be a first team regular.
It’s a big worry that I haven’t been playing and I believe I should be a regular player. I was unfortunate to get a red card in my first game and now Jonathan (Greening) and Chris (Baird) have been doing well, I have to fight to get my place back.
It’s up to me to push myself. The manager can see in training I’m working very hard, but I need some action. Even games for the reserves would benefit me a lot, but if there is a loan possibility, then I hope the club will let me go – just so I can prepare myself for the World Cup.
The [South Africa] coach Carlos Parreira is expecting me to play in my team. But I think the manager here believes in me. I was supposed to join last season but couldn’t because of the work permit problems, but they still followed my progress and wanted me to come.
KD has spent the last few seasons wanting to break into the Prem and after a few months wants to go out on loan? This sounds more made up than true. He has more chance of making the South African team if he sticks at Fulham than plays a few games at Coventry or some such.
I do think that defensive midfield role could be up for grabs. Baird has done brilliantly but I’ve noticed a slight drop in form over the last couple of games. Etuhu seems to be out for some time yet and KD has looked quite comfortable when he’s been given the chance. I’d say he’d be better off staying with us and biding his time. I think Roy appreciates patient players (on and off the pitch) he only needs to look as far as Chris Baird for an example of where that can get you.
Dikagcoi was pretty average in the reserves game against Arsenal on Tuesday night. Unless his game picks up, I can see why Hodgson hasn’t regularly picked him for first-team action.