Scott Parker hailed matchwinner Bobby Decordova-Reid after the forward stepped off the substitutes’ bench to settle the west London derby against QPR and secure Fulham’s place in round four.
Decordova-Reid fired home his sixth goal of the season to break the deadlock towards the end of the first period of extra time and had a hand in the second just two minutes later that put the game well beyond the Championship side. The Fulham boss was delighted with the Jamaican international’s impact and believes he will have a huge part to play as Fulham battle to survive in the Premier League.
Parker told his post-match press conference:
He’s going to be very important. He has a knack for being in the right areas, an eye for a goal and it’s going to be important for where we are at the moment. He’s someone who can get goals for us this year and his finish today was fantastic.
Parker also heaped praise on the returning Josh Onomah, who made his first senior appearance since October.
I thought he was superb. I didn’t expect the performance in terms of how well he did physically – certainly going into extra time. The conditioning guys have done a fantastic job with him to get him to this level. That was his first game for some time and I thought it was the Josh Onomah we’ve got to know so I was very, very pleased. He looked powerful and of course, I think we all understand from last year, he’s got quality and I think he’s got a big part to play. Still more to come.
The Fulham boss was delighted that his side managed to overcome a potential banana skin having had two weeks off after a coronavirus outbreak at Motspur Park forced two postponements after Christmas.
We had to move things around a little bit in terms of the squad because that’s the position we’re in. I’m pleased overall because momentum sticks with us, it’s a win. We are unbeaten in five, with a clean sheet as well and overall there are a lot of positives.
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A win and a clean sheet. all round a satisfactory performance with a lot of positives. However why we keep playing Loftus Cheek is beyond me. I would send him back to Chelsea. Also Cav blows hot and cold mainly the latter. I hope the rumour of Mitro being available for the right offer is untrue. For me he is a Fulham icon and I believe he will come good again.
Cordova Reid had a tendency to drift in games last season but playing on the right of midfield seems to have given him more purpose, he plays with confidence and scoring goals helps too. Loftus Cheek is an enigma, thought it was a great signing but this is not the player I remembered, send him back.
Desperate for a striker with movement and mobility, pace too would be good. Mitro seems to have no confidence and does not fit the new shape of the team
We must not give up on Mitro, He will come good he just needs a goal. Loftus Cheek does not warrant a place in the team and he has had enough chances. I agree if Fulham could end him back to Chelsea I would jump at the chance. Joe Bryan was the star and I would like to see him in the team somewhere. Is he better than Robinson and or should they both be in the team. Was AK47 one of the players with Covo as this match would have been an ideal opportunity to play him. Onamah. had a good match. Tete looked good on his return from injury. Tim Ream, bless him, is way past his best. Cavaleiro is not the answer for a main striker and along with kesbano is good choice to have on the bench.