Fulham caretaker boss Scott Parker hailed the performance of Sergio Rico after victory over Cardiff City.

Ryan Babel scored his third goal in four matches with a scorching curler from 25 yards to secure a 1-0 victory and leave City's plight looking increasingly bleak.

Parker reserved praise for Rico, after the goalkeeper claimed his third clean sheet in as many outings.

“Sergio was first class," he admitted. “He's had it a little bit tough this year but certainly in the last five minutes when we were under pressure a little bit, they put [Sean] Morrison up top and put a lot of balls in the box, which I thought we dealt well with the whole game.

“In the end, he has stood up and really earnt us the full three points and the clean sheet, which was pleasing."