ALEX Kacaniklic has vowed to fill the void left by crocked Fulham team-mate Kieran Richardson.

The Sweden star came off the bench to bag the equaliser at Arsenal last weekend after Richardson limped off with a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out of Sunday's clash with Sunderland.

Kacaniklic has failed to command a regular starting spot at Craven Cottage this season but is expected to keep his place against the Black Cats.

The 21-year-old has seen fellow young guns Matthew Briggs and Kerim Frei sent out on loan, but the former Liverpool man wants to stay in SW6 and fight for his spot.

“It's up to me to show why the manager decided to keep me here,” he told the Chronicle.

“When I get the chance I have to take it. I came on and scored and will keep working hard.

“We've never spoken about going out on loan - I want to be here and playing in the Premier League. I've made eight or nine appearances this season which has been pretty good.

“You never want to see anyone get injured, so hopefully it's not serious. It's an opportunity for me and if the manager decides to play me I'm going to do everything to keep the spot.”

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