Fulham teenager Fabio Carvalho has won the EFL’s young player of the month award for August after an outstanding start to the season.

The attacking midfielder has quickly established himself as a first team regular under Marco Silva and his vibrant displays were crucial in helping the Cottagers get off to a flying start following relegation from the Premier League. The nineteen year-old scored three goals and made another as the Whites stormed to the top of the Championship table – although he missed Saturday’s defeat at Blackpool with a recurrence of an ankle injury.

Carvalho said:

“It feels good to be recognised not just by Fulham but the whole league. t’s been an amazing start for me individually and the team which is the most important thing, and we’ll just look to keep going and keep striving to progress.

My aim is to perform well this season and help Fulham get promoted which is what we collectively aspire to do. On an individual basis, try to win as many awards as I can, score goals and help the team with my performances.

I’m loving it, I feel like – not just now but in general with my football – I have to play with a smile on my face because that’s when my best football comes out. To be able to do something at a high level you have to be able to enjoy it as well and that’s what I’m trying to do.

My transition to the first team has been made easier with the help and support of my team-mates. The players, manager and staff have always been helping me. Hopefully this is just the start. I always tell myself that this is just the beginning of what’s to come and I can always improve and I can always get better and I’ll be working hard to achieve more for the team and individually as well.

I’m looking forward to keeping helping the team through my performances and hopefully we’ll get more wins and go on to achieve big things.”

Fulham will make a late decision tomorrow whether Carvalho can return to the starting line-up for Wednesday’s trip to Birmingham City.