Marcus Bettinelli is patiently waiting for a first-team opportunity at Fulham after injury robbed him of the chance to stake a claim to unseat new signing David Button in the summer – and admits that the new loan rules barring mid-season moves have only added to his frustration.
The former England under-21 international has yet to make a senior appearance for the club this term due to Button’s outstanding form since his arrival from Brentford and an untimely knee problem. The young goalkeeper, whose professional development was greatly boosted by loan spells with Dartford and Accrington Stanley in the formative stages of his career, hasn’t had the opportunity of tasting first-team football elsewhere since the EFL rules on loan moves were tightened up over the summer.
It’s tough not being able to get out on loan when you’re not playing. Like Cauley [Woodrow] said it’s important not to put yourself in that mindset. You want to play here and try your hardest but, at the same time, we’re in a situation where we need games.
I didn’t play much due to injury (last season). We both know we want to get games so it’s not easy with the new laws. It’s frustrating but that’s football. When January comes, whatever may be may be.
Bettinelli has developed a good camaraderie with Button and insists that he won’t be wishing misfortune on his main rival for the number one jersey.
I’m not going to say I’d wish injury to David. I’m dying to play. Anything that Butts needs I’m there for him and that’d be vice versa. Andy Lonergan wasn’t expecting to get the games he got but that’s football. If he does get injured I’m ready to play.
If that’s the case, I’m in a good state to go out there and perform. I’d never wish that on anyone. I’ve known Butts for a long time. He’s a good goalkeeper who has played a lot of games in a row. He’s a really good goalkeeper and a really good guy. We’ve got a good bond. It’s been good we’ve got that competition between us and can get better every day.
I’ve taken a lot of stuff from him and I’m sure he’s taken a lot from me. He’s a good goalkeeper and long may that continue.
