Clint happy in line of fire

Fulham wideman Clint Dempsey feels he is starting to gain confidence playing as a striker because of the side's injury problems.

The Cottagers have been without Andrew Johnson recently so USA international Dempsey has been pushed further forward and he believes progress has been made.

He told the Evening Standard: "Working with Roy Hodgson and his assistants Mike Kelly and Ray Lewington has helped to develop my game more.

"I feel like I'm getting more confident playing up top in so far as what kind of runs I need to make into the channels, and how I can be a better link-up man."