Slavisa Jokanovic insists Gareth Southgate has not contacted him over the possibility of attempting to select Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney for England.
England manager Southgate has reportedly been tracking the progress of Cairney, who has won two caps for Scotland but only in friendly matches so is still eligible to play for the country of his birth.
But Fulham boss Jokanovic explained Southgate has not been in touch with him over the matter.
Asked if Southgate had contacted him, Jokanovic replied: “No, he hasn’t.”
Jokanovic hailed Cairney as one of his most important players – but also a midfielder who can cut it at any level in the game.
When quizzed on whether 27-year-old Cairney could be a prospect for England, Jokanovic said: “Really I don’t know, he’s a quality player, he’s first choice actually right now.
“He’s played for Scotland. I cannot give you a clear answer, he can speak about this and give you a clearer answer, but that’s all I can give you.
“He is really one of our most important players. He has a really good season behind him with Fulham.
“We know his quality, he’s a player who can play at the highest level in this position.
“And then it depends on him, on the coach, but he’s really good and he’d be useful for any team or coach.”
Newly-promoted Fulham were dealt a harsh Premier League lesson when losing out 3-0 at reigning champions Manchester City last weekend.
Jokanovic remains adamant however that he will stick to the attacking style that carried Fulham to the top flight in the first place, despite that Etihad Stadium setback.
“Why would we be scared, why are we not braver and trusting in ourselves?” said Jokanovic.
“People will criticise coaches if they pick players for a defensive game.
“In our case people are asking if we can be a little more pragmatic. But for me being pragmatic is being brave.
“The brave choice for me is the best way to win the game. I think we are still not brave enough.
“I don’t think our solution is to be scared and to try to make just one chance, score one goal and win 1-0.
“I’m working with my team to understand the characteristics of my squad, and I try for the best way for my team. I trust in my players, I trust in my choices.”
This post was last modified on 21/09/2018