Fulham skipper Tom Cairney believes the key to troubling the division’s top teams is to ensure the Whites dominate possession.

Despite having 59 per cent of the ball against Brighton , the Seagulls emerged victorious as goals from Sam Baldock and Glenn Murray cancelled out Kevin McDonald's first half opener.

Slavisa Jokanovic ’s side host third placed Reading on Saturday and Cairney has challenged his side to ensure they enjoy time on the ball when they take on Jaap Stam’s outfit.

Cairney said: “If we’ve got the ball then I feel like we’ll dominate any team and create chances like we did on Saturday but we just didn’t hit the back of the net enough. Being more clinical and a little bit more streetwise and a bit stronger defensively”

All smiles: Tom Cairney (R) with Matt Smith

Nevertheless, the captain is in no doubt that if Fulham play in a similar vein they can return to winning ways this weekend.

He added: “I believe we can beat anyone on our day, I mean Brighton are one of the favourites to go up and rightly so after what they did last year and with their recent form but I still don’t think anyone’s come here and done what we did to them.”

Reading have won their last five Championship games and will provide another stern test for Jokanovic’s team as they look to continue their push towards the top six.