Ross McCormack insists Fulhams fate still lies in their own hands after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Bristol City saw the Whites slip to just a point above the drop zone.

McCormack had put Fulham in front against Fulham’s relegation rivals with a sublime chip for his 21st goal of the season as the Whites dominated the first half. But City looked a different side after the break and Marlon Pack levelled matters, before Lee Tomlin’s free-kick won it in the final minute.

“I could see it coming,” a deeply frustrated McCormack said. “We sat far too deep in the second half and let them into it when we should have carried on doing what we were doing in the first half when they didn’t have a sniff. Second half, it’s usual Fulham, we were in control and threw it away.”

The result leaves the Whites a point above the drop zone ahead of a tricky looking trip to Birmingham City on Saturday, but, as McCormack pointed out, Fulham’s hopes of survival is something they can control.

“We’ve been in a fight for weeks,” continued McCormack. “As it stands now, it doesn’t look too good for us so it’s vitally important we start picking up wins. Next week is Birmingham away – a very good side – but it’s vital we go there and try and get something as we need a result. It won’t be easy, but it’s in our hands and we need to show character.

“You can only say we’ve got a good enough team for so long. People said we had the squad to get promoted, then we had the squad to finish mid-table and now we’ve got the squad to beat the drop – it’s about time we started showing it.”

On his brilliant opener, McCormack admitted it now counted for little, adding: “It was a good goal, but it doesn’t really mean anything. We should have seen the game out or added to my goal.

“We’re all desperately disappointed so it’s important the lads get away from the place for a day or two and gather their thoughts, because it’s going to be a long few weeks. We need 48 hours to get our heads right, come back refreshed and go again Saturday.”