Battle for your spot Bettinelli

FULHAM boss Slavisa Jokanovic has told goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli he must “be brave” and fight for his starting place.

The Cottagers signed two top-class keepers in the summer and Bettinelli was left out of their squad for last Saturday’s curtainraiser against Crystal Palace.

Jokanovic blamed a training injury for his absence despite Bettinelli, who started 26 of Fulham’s matches as they won promotion last season, tweeting before the game: “For everybody that’s asking .... I am not injured!”

Fulham have no plans to loan out Bettinelli and Jokanovic told him to toughen up.

“Nobody can be hurt and show soft character,” said Jokanovic ahead of today’s clash against Tottenham.

Chanted

“Be brave, push hard, work for the position. I will try to make the right decision.”

Fabri, a £5m capture from Besiktas, started against Palace while Sergio Rico, signed on loan from Sevilla, was on the bench.

Both have Champions League experience and Rico twice won the Europa League with Sevilla, but some sections of the Craven Cottage crowd chanted Bettinelli’s name last Saturday.

Jokanovic said: “I am happy with three quality goalkeepers.

“I do not know what the player is thinking but he must work and fight for his chance.

“I can choose only one of them. One of them will be in the stands, one will be on the bench and one will be in the goal.

“This is a fantastic situation for a head coach like me. The three keepers are in the same situation – they must fight for the position and I will decide what is best for my team.”