Chris Baird has been recalled by parent club Derby County with immediate effect - but if Slavisa Jokanovic's comments are anything to go by Fulham haven't lost out.

Baird was finally signed on loan in February after a couple of attempts, and rejoined the club where he enjoyed six seasons from 2007 to 2013 totting up 127 appearances for Whites.

But the Northern Ireland international's second coming hasn't been a hit.

He made only three starts out of a possible 14 with the likes of Rohan Ince, Scott Parker and Jamie O'Hara preferred in the centre of midfield.

The Whites head coach was recently asked whether the 34-year-old was playing his part in keeping Fulham a second-tier side, and the reply was far from a ringing endorsement.

"We're still expecting better things from Baird," Jokanovic said. "He’s an experienced player and he's training very well but we need to be more competitive."

Baird's recall to the I-Pro Stadium comes as a result of a shoulder injury to midfielder Jamie Hanson's who needs surgery.

Baird will act as cover for a team about to face the Championship play-offs.