Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was happy with his low-key Fulham debut as the Whites survived a banana skin at Ipswich last night to progress in the League Cup.

The French international only had one save of note to make throughout a quiet ninety minutes – a routine stop from Gwion Edwards in the last minute helped preserve a clean sheet for Scott Parker’s side. Areola, signed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, told the Athletic that he was pleased to make his first appearance for his new club.,

It’s like this, you have to be focused, make the right decisions. It’s good to start like this, get more minutes and become confident with the team. I’m very happy!

The 27 year-old views this season as an important one for him – and his first target will be to try and wrestle the number one spot off Marek Rodak, who started the opening league game against Arsenal following his excellent displays as Fulham won promotion from the Championship last year.

For me, it’s a very important year. It was important to come to a club that gives me this opportunity to play because last season I had a great experience with Real Madrid, but the competition was missing and I need to have that. The training was great there but you can’t change the competition.

I didn’t want to sit on the bench another year. I have played in Spain and France now. It’s my first experience here In England and I hope to have a good season for me and for the team.