FULHAM legend Barry Hayles believes Martin Jol’s foreign imports will find life tough in the Premier League.
The Whites have added Fernando Amorebieta , Maarten Stekelenburg and Derek Boateng to the ranks, while Sascha Riether has signed a permanent deal following a successful loan spell.
But Hayles, who smashed 58 goals in 219 games during his five-year spell at Craven Cottage, believes the new arrivals will take time to adjust to the fast pace of English football.
He said: “I think Fulham’s foreign players need a couple of months and some even longer to adjust to the pace and physicality of the Premiership.
“I’m just hoping that the players come in and hit the ground running from the start.”
Mark Schwarzer was among a string of players to leave Fulham as part of a massive clear-out at the Cottage.
However, Hayles says Schwarzer has left new signing Stekelenburg with big gloves to fill.
He said: “I saw Fulham’s youth team recently and Mark’s son was there. He said he was expecting him to stay, then Stekelenburg came in and Mark was gone.
“I haven’t seen Stekelenburg play. Time will tell if he's a good replacement for Mark. David Stockdale will be looking to challenge for the first-team spot, but hopefully Stekelenburg will do well.”
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest Fulham news.
