Parker’s high praise as Christie seizes chance

CYRUS CHRISTIE was held up as an example to his team-mates after going from substitute to man of the match.

Christie, above, had barely sat down before replacing Joe Bryan in the ninth minute after he limped off with a hamstring injury.

He slotted in at right-back and not only contributed to a clean sheet but was also one of Fulham’s most potent attacking forces, sending in a stream of crosses.

Fulham manager Scott Parker was full of praise for the Ireland defender, who has been restricted to eight league starts so far this season.

“He was exceptional,” Parker said. “I don’t really expect anything less from Cyrus, to be honest, because he is someone who takes disappointment on the chin but also takes it as a motivation to keep improving and keep working hard.

“There is no sulking with him and he deserved his moment. When he was called upon, he was ready.”

Preston boss Alex Neil would have been left with few positives to take away after

David Nugent’s owngoal and Aboubakar Kamara’s added-time breakaway strike meant North End left Craven Cottage empty-handed.

Preston midfielder Brad Potts said: “It is in our own hands.

“We have lost two games on the bounce, but we are still in the play-off spots, which shows how well we have done.”

NOTTINGHAM FOREST could be forced to sell Matty Cash and Joe Worrall if they miss out on promotion.

Forest go to Middlesbrough today hoping to boost hopes of a return to the top flight for the first time since 1999. Full-back Cash, 22, and centre-half Worrall, 23, have contracts until 2023 and 2024 respectively. But the club handed out the deals to protect the value of their assets for potential sale.