FRINGE BENEFITS

ORPPOARTNUNIITYE: RRaniIeri CLAUDIO RANIERI has told Fulham’s fringe players to use the FA Cup today as a shop window to get away.

Admitting he has been unable to rotate his team as much as he would like because of the Cottagers’ lowly Premier League position, Ranieri will ring the changes for the third-round visit of League Two Oldham.

And the Italian reckons the home tie is the perfect platform for those feeling unwanted at Craven Cottage to showcase their talents.

Asked if it is fair to expect his reserves to produce the goods this afternoon when they are unlikely to feature in Fulham’s vital relegation scrap at Burnley on Saturday, Ranieri claimed a decent display could actually earn them a move elsewhere.

The Fulham chief said: “If you show some good football and a good performance, maybe somebody else can remember you. That would be good for Fulham – and good for the players too.

“I think that is the reason they must be very, very motivated to show their best.”

Ranieri, runner-up in the 2002 FA Cup as Chelsea manager, knows he will be accused of disrespecting the competition by fielding a significantly weakened line-up but he argues he has little choice but to rest first-team regulars.

He added: “For me, the FA Cup is a very good competition and we want to do well in it. Oldham is not a friendly.

“We want to win but of course at this moment the Premier League is much more important for us.” Fulham v Oldham

Today, 2pm