Chris Smalling has admitted he owes a lot to Fulham ahead of Sunday's clash against his former club. The Manchester United defender made the move from Craven Cottage to Old Trafford over the summer after catching the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson with some assured performances.
The benefits of life under Roy Hodgson are not lost on the 20-year-old and he recognises just what Fulham did for his career.
"I owe Fulham a lot," said Smalling. "They gave me my chance.
"When I finished school they gave me the chance to develop. I was in the reserves and then broke into the first-team squad last year.
"I made a lot of friends there, a lot of coaches who helped me are still there.
"(Development squad manager) Billy McKinley gave me a lot of support over the last couple of years and he deserves a lot of credit.
"It will be a bit weird going back but I hope it will be an enjoyable day."
