The early goal conceded rather than tiredness was to blame for Fulham's limp performance at Villa Park on Sunday, according to midfielder Clint Dempsey.

The USA international is no stranger to long-haul travel between Premier League fixtures and he is convinced a poor team display had nothing to do with the demands of that long trip to Perm in Russia for a Europa League match.

“I don't see it as a difficult week for us,” he said. “We advanced to the group stages of the Europa League, which we are very happy about. We are where we want to be.

“We conceded early at Aston Villa and it's always difficult when you are away when that happens but we fought hard to get back in it.

“I think conceding early affects the mentality of the team. It's always difficult when you have to travel far for games as we have to do for internationals, but you just have to deal with it.”