Hughes: We need to harden up

Fulham manager Mark Hughes wants his injury-hit side to toughen up and earn three points against Sunderland on Saturday.

Last season, the two clubs finished just two points apart in the Premier League but this season sees Sunderland on the verge of the European places in seventh and Fulham fighting relegation ten places lower.

Recent performances have left Hughes frustrated but he hopes his men have learnt from their mistakes in time for this clash.

“We are looking to win the game; as the home team the onus is on us to be positive and get a positive result,” Hughes said.

“We were left frustrated by the last home result against Birmingham who have similar qualities to Sunderland in terms of organisation and being able to frustrate you.”

Hughes’ attempts at climbing the table have also been severely hampered by injuries to his front men but that situation is slowly improving and could be boosted by a January buy.

“We still have Moussa Dembele (ankle) to return which will help, but we are still missing Bobby Zamora (fractured leg) although we are pleased with his progress and we hope that he is going to come back bang on schedule,” Hughes said.

“We will look at our options but deals in January are expensive and sometimes the quality you want isn’t available. But we will have a look and see if we can bring anyone it that will markedly improve us.”

One man that won’t be leaving Craven Cottage is leading goal scorer Clint Dempsey, who was recently linked with a transfer to Liverpool, AC Milan and Wolfsburg.

“I think his (Dempsey’s) agent has been asked questions and he has tried to answer them intelligently,” Hughes said.

“I am sure there is interest in Clint, all good players are mentioned at some point when you are entering a transfer window but there has been no contact from any club and we won’t encourage it because I know he is very happy here, he is enjoying his football and he is making an impact for us.”

Carlos Salcido (ankle) will be missing and defender Matthew Briggs has undergone calf surgery and will also miss the game. Andrew Johnson is unlikely to start but should appear off the substitute’s bench at some point.