‘Quality’ Bryan backed ahead of Fulham recall

Joe Bryan will have another chance to show he can be a first-choice pick for Fulham when he faces Manchester United tonight.

The left-back comes in for the suspended Antonee Robinson, who was sent off in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Chelsea – and Bryan has been given a ringing endorsement from Scott Parker.

The head coach says he told Bryan at the beginning of the season that his place was under threat from Robinson, and so it proved to be.

Now, the man bought from Bristol City in 2018 will have a three-game opportunity to leave Robinson on the bench when his suspension is up.

Parker said: “I’m fortunate enough to have two left-backs here that have quality.

“Joe’s has technical quality – his set-plays, his delivering the ball, and he can score goals as well.

“Is he a lot different to Antonee Robinson? Maybe Antonee has more running power with the ball, but with the ball, Joe’s quality.

“This is a big opportunity for Joe who’s had to sit behind Antonee.

“I’m sure it’s been very difficult for Joe. Last year he was right up there in the assists for our team. And that goal (a free-kick against Brentford) in the play-off final was just a snapshot of that.

“Joe would be the first to say he didn’t really grab that opportunity with both hands at the start of the season, but now he has three games to show that he can.”

Meanwhile, Parker has insisted that Fulham are not looking to sign Boulaye Dia despite being linked with the Stade de Reims striker.