Marcus Bettinelli is ready to battle Maarten Stekelenburg for the Fulham keeper’s jersey next season.
The young keeper is living the dream by holding down the number one spot while the Dutchman is away on loan with Monaco, and wants more of the same even if the man who played in the 2010 World Cup final returns in July.
By his own admission, Stekelenburg had a dreadful debut campaign. Fulham were relegated, and towards the end even David Stockdale had replaced the international between the sticks.
But despite cutting a sorry figure around SW6, the 32-year-old has two years left on his contract at the end of the season and cost Fulham close to £4million when signed from Roma.
Boss Kit Symons agreed the Dutchman’s return to the first team is on the cards if Fulham pull of a bit a shock and return to the elite - but not without a fight says the youngster who was a mere pupil 12 months ago.
Bettinelli added: “I know Stek pretty well. Sometimes he can seem a bit grumpy - but deep down he’s a really nice guy, and he taught me quite a bit, and we’ll see how he goes if he comes back.
“When you’ve had his experience; playing in a World Cup final and that, you can imagine there are things to learn, as there was from Mark Schwarzer, and Stocko even more so.
“Some foreigners find it hard to get used to the language, but Stek spoke great English and he was a big help with little things that make the one per cent difference. I look forward to seeing him again - if he comes back.”
Before that, Fulham have to make the play-offs at the very least starting with a return to league action at Cardiff on Saturday. For Bettinelli, life has turned full circle since the 1-1 draw that was Fulham’s first point back in August.
“That was my league debut.” he added, “and although Kenwyne Jones scored for them that was the highlight of the season for me at the Cottage.
“Every game is a new game for me. I can’t thank the boss enough for the support he showed me. It’s a surreal feeling considering I was at Accrington on loan last season.”
Symons is ready to dip into the transfer market during the window, but admits he has riches galore when it comes to keepers.
“Stek’s still a Fulham player, and we’ll view all our options and make the right call for the club when the time comes,” he said.
Keep in touch with all the build-up and post-match reaction to Cardiff v Fulham right here on GetWestLondon.
