Jol upbeat on chances

Fulham boss Martin Jol is confident of progressing to the Europa League playoff round with a result against RNK Split in the second leg.

The English Premier League side took a 0-0 draw from Croatia, putting them in a strong position to advance with a result at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

Jol said he was content with the first leg result last Thursday, but wanted an improved performance at home.

“I felt that of course we were satisfied with the result, but I was not happy with the performance,” he said on Wednesday.

“But now we play at home. I think we have more confidence at home and we will change a few things in our approach.”

“So, hopefully we can go through to the next round and play better than we did last week.”

Fulham’s new signings Pajtim Kasami and Marcel Gecov could both make their debuts in the second leg.

Forward Bobby Zamora should also be available, despite fracturing his hand in the goalless draw.

Jol revealed Fulham’s bid for Birmingham City striker Cameron Jerome, believed to be in the region of three million pounds, had been rejected.

He said that although he could see Jerome being a useful addition to his squad, it was unlikely the club would make an improved bid.

“He is not well known for being a big goalscorer, but then again he is probably in a different system and I think he is a useful player – good in the air, quick,” Jol said.

“I think he would be a good back-up for, for example, Bobby Zamora.”

Swiss midfielder Kasami, 19, said he was excited about the clash against RNK Split.

“I think it is very important because Fulham is a club with big ambitions and tomorrow will be a tough game, but we are looking forward to it,” he said.