Brian McBride celebrates his 45th birthday today, so to celebrate we're taking a look back at some of his most memorable moments at Fulham in the four years he was at the club.

After signing in 2004 from the MLS, McBride went on to make over 140 appearances for the Craven Cottage outfit, scoring 40 goals in all competitions, eventually being handed the captain's armband in 2007.

He left in 2008 to return to America, but his phenomenal work rate and willingness to run his socks off for the cause ensured he has gone down in Fulham lore as a legend, and one that the faithful still look back on with fond memories.

After turning 45 today, we have a look back at some of his best moments to celebrate - happy birthday Brian!

5. McBride scores his first goal for Fulham against Tottenham

It wasn't a bad start to life in west London for McBride as he bagged a debut winner against Tottenham to give his side all three points at Loftus Road.

Robbie Keane had out Spurs in front, but Steed Malbranque coverted his spot kick to pull the side level before McBride won it with a close range tap in after he reacted to Ian Pearce's saved header the quickest.

It was the perfect way to introduce himself to the Fulham fans and it started a love-in that would last and last.

Head first: Brian McBride against Tottenham on his debut

4. Fulham beat Arsenal for the first time in 40 years with a bit of help from McBride

It was a famous night in 2006 as Fulham beat their north London rivals for the first time in 40 years after McBride's early header sent the side on their way.

He headed the side in front after connecting to Claus Jensen's corner before Luis Boa Morte doubled the lead, sending the home fans into raptures.

Robin Van Persie scored a stunning free kick, while Philippe Senderos was sent off in an amazing game - one McBride and the Fulham fans will remember for a long time.

History maker: Brian McBride's goal helps Fulham to their first win in 40 years over Arsenal

3. It's a demolition of Norwich on the final day of 2005

McBride's two goals helped Fulham take Norwich apart on the final day of 2005 as they beat the Canaries 6-0.

It was a fine performance which relegated Norwich, and it was McBride who opened the scoring in the tenth minute when he latched onto a Lee Clark through ball to fire home.

He got his second in the 85th minute when Steed Malbranque feed him on the left, and he made no mistake again as he fired past Green to make it a thrashing for Fulham as they finished 13th in the Premier League.

On target: Luis Boa Morte and Brian McBride celebrate against Norwich

2. It's a long road back from injury, but McBride gets back on the scoresheet

Coming back from a bad injury is a tough ask for anyone, but McBride put that behind him when he bagged the only goal in a cagey affair against Everton in 2008.

He got his head onto Simon Davies' cross in the 68th minute to ensure the club still had hope of surviving relegation that season - and that goal was his first since sustaining an injury against Middlesbrough in the first game of the season.

It was the end of a long road of rehabilitation for the American, and an important goal in Fulham's quest for survival.

Back in the game: Brian McBride celebrates against Everton

1. McBride scores his last goal for Fulham

All good things must come to an end, and that was true for McBride at Fulham.

He scored his last goal for the club against Birmingham in 2008 as they beat the Midlands side 2-0 thanks to his and Erik Nevland's goals, which edged Fulham closer to safety.

It was another headed goal for the American as he latched onto Jimmy Bullard's free kick in the 52nd minute to send them on their way to victory.

It was an important win as Fulham went to Portsmouth the next weekend and won 1-0 thanks to Danny Murphy's goal, ensuring their Premier League status for another season.

Into raptures: Brian McBride scores and sends the Fulham faithful into raptures

Let us know your fondest memories of McBride in the comments or on Twitter ( @FulhamFCNews ) and Facebook ( FulhamNews ).

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