Lawrie Sanchez believes Fulham will become contenders once they gain the experience to close out a game.

Fulham are currently just four points clear of the relegation zone with just two wins - largely as a result of goals conceded in the last 10 minutes of games.

"It is a strange season," he said. "If a game ended at half-time, we would be top. If it was 80 minutes, we would be sixth or seventh, and we are 13th after 90 minutes.

"Once we have learned to cope with those last 10 minutes, we will be where I would like us to be.

"The question I have been asking myself, the staff and everyone involved with us is: 'Are we 10 minutes away from being a very good team or is it coincidence?'

"You speak to some people and they say it is just coincidence but I would like to believe it is not because we wouldn't be in that situation with 10 minutes to go after 13 games if we were not a good side.

"I am putting it down to inexperience at this level and knowing how to close out a game is a big thing you learn."