Michael Madl was the only Fulham loanee out of six to make an impression last season.
Not even the return of former stalwart Chris Baird had the same impact as the defender straight from the Austrian top flight.
Other foreigners tend to struggle as they adapt to life in the Championship, but Madl says he fitted in well and got a helping hand from down the road to earn a permanent two-year contract.
Get West London understands it may be curtains for Konstantin Kerschbaumer at Brentford in the transfer window, but he and former Bee Marco Djuricin offered Madl a heads-up when he made the switch in January.
“I spoke to a few Austrian players who played here, like Kerschbaumer and Marco Djuricin, and they knew a lot about the Championship; to see it though is different.”
Madl says he has no idea why he hit the ground sprinting - and even less whether he is the man to replace the stricken Tomas Kalas in the heart of the Whites defence.
“It’s a question for the manager; we’re four good centre backs,” Madl said. “Everyone wants to play, of course. If you get the chance you have to take it.
“I’m sorry for Tomas, but happy to be back in the squad.”
