David Button has warned his Fulham team-mates that they need to put in performances like those of the past fortnight every week if they are serious about challenging this season.
The Whites followed their 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield with a dominant derby win over Brentford on Friday night, recording back-to-back Championship wins for the first time since the opening week of the season.
Those results have seen Fulham, not so long ago nervously eyeing the other end of the table, rocket up to within two points of the play-off places, but Button is not getting too carried away.
He said: “We started the season on fire but didn't come back so great after the first international break, so we need to make sure we do this time. Consistency is vital in this league, and we now have back to back wins and clean sheets.
“We can now go into this break, work hard and make sure we're ready for another run. On paper we know we're a quality side and a match for anyone in this league, it's just a case of application and making sure we're consistent in every game.
“The results haven't always reflected performances, as there's been a lot of games in which we've created chances and just not been able to finish, then got sucker-punched up the other end.
“But our luck's turning. Chris Martin is getting fitting fit and is a real handful, and we're a little bit more of a settled side. Things have been coming together the last couple of games, but we're not getting carried away and will try to keep improving.
“We've got a lot of talented players, the bench is very good, and people not even getting in the squad who would be playing week in week out in any other Championship side, so competition very strong.”
The win over Brentford saw Button enjoy the best possible return to his former club, who he left in the summer, and cock a snook at warnings that he would be a target for the home fans from the off.
He added: “I don't really do social media and didn't look at any articles, I was completely focused on the game. It was never going to be a warm welcome, but I was expecting worse and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Some fans even clapped me, which was a nice touch.
“I've got no regrets over leaving, these things happen in football. Decisions were made, and I'm very happy with where I am now.
“As long as it doesn't hamper Fulham's chances, I would like to see them do well, but I'm fully focused on Fulham now, so what Brentford do doesn't concern me.”
