Jeff Stelling has been raving about the recent form of Fulham legend Tom Cairney and reacting to the news that he’s extended his contract with the club.
Fulham fans were rejoicing on New Year’s Eve when Cairney put in another stunning performance and have even more to celebrate today.
Speaking on TalkSPORT (2/1 9:07am), Stelling and Dean Saunders were talking about the silky playmaker.
After three league defeats on the bounce, all eyes were on Marco Silva’s team selection heading into their match against Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side were top at Christmas and a reaction was expected after their defeat to West Ham when they dominated proceedings.
Plenty of fans would have feared the worst after Bukayo Saka’s early goal, but Fulham responded perfectly and Cairney played a key role in the first goal, finding Raul Jimenez at the back post.
Stelling was raving about Cairney this morning and the impact he’s had at Fulham over the last eight and a half years.
He’s led the club to three promotions from the Championship and next week will likely captain Fulham during their first-ever Carabao Cup semi-final.
He’ll be 33 by the end of the month but looks to be getting better and better alongside Joao Palhinha in midfield.
Stelling praises Cairney impact after Fulham win
Covering the news of Cairney’s new contract this morning, Stelling said: “Tom Cairney, who has played more than 300 games for the Cottagers, has extended his deal which was up in the summer.
“And I tell you what, a lot of people would have written Tom Cairney off at the start of the season, couldn’t get in the side and now he’s back playing a key role for them.”
Dean Saunders added: “Yeah, he’s a bit similar to Harry Wilson, they were like fringe players, they can’t seem to nail their place down in the Premier League team.
“But Tom Cairney, I remember he was at Hull for a bit and he’s sort of got better with age, he’s holding his own now. He played great against Arsenal.”
Stelling concluded: “He’s been a wonderful, wonderful servant for Fulham.”
The £30,000-a-week playmaker has settled into a deeper role alongside Palhinha and never appears fazed in possession even against the most aggressive of presses.
So much has been made of the strength of Arsenal’s midfield and yet Cairney never looked flustered, launching attack after attack for Fulham which left Stelling and Saunders impressed.
Managing his minutes is obviously going to be an important job for Silva with Fulham still fighting on three fronts.
Relegation shouldn’t be a concern meaning it wouldn’t be a surprise for Silva to name strong sides in both upcoming cup matches.