Ryan Sessegnon could retain his place in the Fulham team to face Cardiff tomorrow - even though Scott Malone is hoping to face his old team-mates.

Slavisa Jokanovic made no secret of his admiration for the 16-year-old, Fulham's second youngest ever player, who made his Championship debut against Leeds midweek.

The exciting prospect has caught the eye of the head coach as well as Premier League clubs like Tottenham, and even though Malone was a prized capture from Cardiff in the summer, Sessegnon's ascendancy had caught everyone by surprise.

"My team is very short, so for me both players are very important for myself and this team," said the head coach.

Message: Matt Smith welcomes Ryan Sessegnon to the team

"I want to have more options in different positions and I can use these two players and Tim Ream.

"I know people are interested in Ryan’s age and in him as a player. I prefer not to say what I really believe about him, so that I don’t put him under any pressure.

"He can improve because he is a 16-year-old boy, but from my side I believe he is ready now for playing at this level for Fulham.

Praise: Slavisa Jovanovic

"He has shown me and all the supporters he is ready for this and for us to push him. Some may say it is a little bit early, but for me it is the right time."

The Whites gaffer previously gave a clean bill of health for all but long-term injured Ryan Fredericks, but now admits keeper Marcus Bettinelli has only just returned to full training after a hamstring strain.

Joka added: "Marcus has started working the last two days without any problem with us and he will be back to the squad very soon."

David Button will retain the gloves, with Jesse Joronen on the bench against the Bluebirds.

"My team knows what I expect against Cardiff. We can try and dominate and play like we did versus Leeds."

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