Jol hails the moves of Dejagah

Martin Jol has backed Ashkan Dejagah to rival Damien Duff for a place on Fulham's right wing following his display against Aston Villa.

The Cottagers chief was impressed with the Iran international, who signed for the Londoners from German Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg during the summer transfer window, when he came on during the second half of Saturday's late 1-0 win at Craven Cottage. And, with striker Hugo Rodallega occupying the right midfield slot from the start in the absence of the ill Duff, Jol has now hinted that Dejagah will get the nod in future games possibly ahead of the Republic of Ireland veteran. He told the Chronicle: "I had Kacaniklic [on the bench] and I know what I can expect [from him] so it was almost a gamble. I thought, 'I have to do something'. "Sometimes, after seven or eight games as a manager you get a bit of luck and it comes off. "Kaca probably thought he would come on and then the new player is preferred ahead of him, but that was the gut feeling I had. "He's explosive and he should give Damien Duff competition for that place."