Clint Dempsey has highlighted the influence of Brian McBride when he first settled at Fulham.

The Chicago Fire striker had a telling impact on Dempsey when he first arrived at the Club back in January 2007.

"It's always good to see not only a friend but also a guy who means so much to this Club," Dempsey told fulhamfc.com. "I think it was good to have him around because of what he's done and the work he's put in here. He was a great role model for me.

"When I was going through tough times in terms of not getting the minutes I wanted or producing my best performances in my first half season here, he was someone who was always there who had been through the same thing. He was instrumental in helping me stay confident and overcoming any difficulties."