Silva delighted with service from his brill stopper Leno

MARCO SILVA says Bernd Leno keeping a clean sheet is a massive confidence boost for the German.

Having conceded nine goals in his previous three games, Fulham’s 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest on Wednesday offered a break for the stopper.

Silva reiterated the importance of bouncing back after a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool last weekend came after a 3-2 win at home to Wolves and a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa.

“It is really important for any goalkeeper in the world,” Silva said.

“You can win a football match, but the most important thing is that they are going to be happy at the end of the match. No one likes to concede goals. I hate it as a manager.

“Any goalkeeper in the world, they hate it too. A clean sheet for a keeper in any situation is a great feeling.

“It was a good feeling for him, like it was for me.

“He is a top goalkeeper, we cannot say more words about him because he has been so, so special for us since he arrived here.

“If he keeps more clean sheets, his confidence is going to be at a good level.”

Meanwhile, Tom Cairney could make his 300th Fulham appearance today, after joining the club in 2015 from Blackburn for a reported £3million.

The midfielder, 32, scored against Forest and provided assists in the two previous games, with Silva delighted with his recent contributions.

“I am really pleased for him because since I arrived here, playing or not playing, he cares about the club,” Silva said.

“He is one of the captains of the team. If he only plays 15 minutes at a high level, he is going to help. With him on the pitch we are more creative.”