Scott Parker was delighted after Fulham beat relegation rivals Sheffield United tonight to move to within three points of Premier League safety.

The Whites made it seven points from three games after Ademola Lookman’s second half strike was enough to beat the bottom of the table Blades at Craven Cottage. The Fulham manager acknowledged that the scrappy game was something of a battle, but told his post-match press conference of his immense pride in his side’s display.

“I’m very proud of the team. It’s been a tough week in terms of the games we’ve had to play, the travelling we’ve had to do. I think we all understood tonight what this game was about. The message to the team before the game was to focus on us, let’s not listen to the noise that’s been created around this game.

“Throughout this year there’s been one soul focus and that is us, that’s been my constant message. I know with that, us showing our quality and playing with a freedom we’ll get results, and I think that was proven tonight.

Parker saluted the character of his squad, who have grown in confidence throughout a challenging season.

This group of players are honest, want to learn, want to get better, understand the challenges of this league, what it brings sometimes and what you need in these moments. This team has constant belief, they’re a confident team and that’s the way we need to continue.

Parker insisted he wouldn’t be worrying about the outcome of Newcastle’s trip to Old Trafford tomorrow night – preferring to concentrate on ensuring Fulham’s performance levels remain high ahead of another crucial clash with Crystal Palace next weekend.

“I’m not really looking at who’s above us or who’s around us. All I’m focusing on is us and what we need to do. We need to keep showing what we’ve shown for large parts of the season. This team has been so competitive, and if you’ve watched our games over the last 15 or 16 games, the fine margins are that a couple of draws should’ve been wins.

“At this present moment in time, my focus is on us and us continuing to get better. When the curtain comes down at the end of the season, we’ll either be good enough to stay in this division or not, but the main message to this group of players is ‘let’s keep fighting, let’s keep improving and let’s keep moving’.”