Martin Jol has told Marcello Trotta he needs to do more to force his way into Fulham’s first-team plans.
The young Italian striker has made just three substitute appearances for the Whites, spending most of his time out on loan.
Trotta smashed eight goals in as many games at Wycombe Wanderers last season, and has managed nine in 19 starts for League One outfit Brentford this time around.
The 20-year-old suffered heartbreak at the weekend as his late penalty miss meant the Bees blew their chance of automatic promotion.
And Fulham boss Jol says Trotta still needs to improve his all-round game to get another shot at the first team at Craven Cottage.
He said: “Trotta is someone who scored goals at Wycombe, now he went to Brentford and made a step up again.
“But it’s not the Premier League, it’s important they play games and make progress. Alex Kacakilic and Kerim Frei did that, while Lauri Dalla Valle didn’t, so he’s at another club now.
“Trotta is not always in the team, it’s a tough league but not the Premier League. For me, it’s important they show the right mentality to play and prove themselves.
“Trotta is a goal poacher but there’s other areas of his game he needs to improve.”
