Rene Meulensteen defended his decision to ring the changes for this afternoon's FA Cup draw at Sheffield United.

The Fulham manager rested the 11 players who lost at Arsenal last time out, with youngsters Josh Passley and Muamer Tankovic handed their full debuts.

Hugo Rodallega's late equaliser spare the Cottagers' blushes as they were held 1-1 by the League One side.

But Meulensteen insists he was forced to utilise his squad with a crucial league Premier League clash at Swansea on Tuesday.

He said: "I think every person with a bit of common sense can understand [my team].

"If one person respects the FA Cup it's me and I'd love to stay in it but we play Sunday at 1pm for television and then go to Swansea on Tuesday then every man with a little common sense understands you have to maximise your possibilities and minimise your risk. That's what we are doing.

"The Swansea game is important to us so it works two ways: It gives a chance to the players who are going to face Swansea to have an extended preparation and a chance for the others to play here.

"That's what you've got a squad for. Every squad member is a valuable player and has to deliver when called upon."

Fulham struggled against the Blades, but Meulensteen is confident they can seal their spot in round five in the replay.

He added: “We’re still in it, we’ve got a replay so we’ve got another chance to get into the next round but for our level and the experience that we have, you should never ever get into a position where you could have lost. But we mustn’t feel sorry for ourselves.”