Marco Silva says he will take no risks with Tom Cairney as the Fulham captain adjusts to playing regular football again after almost a year on the sidelines.
The Scottish international made a sensational return to first-team action by coming off the bench to score the opening goal in the win over Cardiff and then played ninety minutes in the 4-0 victory at Nottingham Forest. The 30 year-old was only introduced as a late substitute in last weekend’s triumph over promotion rivals West Brom – and Silva told his press conference earlier this afternoon that he will take exercise caution in utilising his playmaker.
“Even if he made that unbelievable impact against Cardiff, and then a normal game against Forest, it was clear to me he couldn’t play 90 minutes after that, but it’s important for me to give him minutes. He’s not in his best physical condition. He knows that, I know that. But he’s a real important player for us, even if he can play just 45 or 50 minutes.
Tom on the ball is high quality and gives us a little more balance. I think the international break will also be good to get him back to full fitness.”
