Scott Parker has told Fulham to get nasty if they are to mount a promotion push this season.

The Cottagers used nine players under 21 against Millwall on Saturday as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat to leave them with no points on the board from their opening two games.

Felix Magath’s side were tipped for an immediate return to the Premier League following relegation last season.

Old head: Parker in action with Millwall's Ricardo Fuller

But Parker says Fulham’s young guns need to learn how to win ugly if they are to be in contention at the business end of the campaign.

He said: “I think technically we are a very good side with some good players but that’s two games and two losses now, which is not what you need.

“A lot of these players have never played men’s football. Some of the boys have come from playing in the U18s last season to playing in the Championship. This is a massive step up and you have to give them time.

“The boys will learn and realise what they need to do. They are very talented players and I’m sure they will get to grips with it and understand there’s another side to the game.

“We need to try and win ugly because I think we play nice football but we don’t seem to have that killer instinct.

“The most important thing is winning games and we need to realise it’s going to be hard and at times a battle. We lacked a bit of that competitive side and they were the first to things.

“The quicker we get up and running the better. It’s still early days so we need to stay positive. I’m sure we will be alright.”