"Next season I'll be looking for him to certainly make an impact in the First Team squad," the former Scotland star told fulhamfc.com. "He should be aiming to play games for us and certainly contribute to a successful season for the Club. He is more than capable of doing that.

"We're really pleased with the way he's come in and adapted to the football in this part of the world. In terms of his performances, he's done very well and he's made an impact in the First Team squad by being on the bench a few times.

"Everybody is very happy with him; he's a joy to work with. He comes in, gives it his best and works hard. He's willing to listen and learn and we have high hopes."

Despite his young age, Leijer is certainly no shrinking violet to the more physical aspects of the English game - a quality which has certainly impressed McKinlay.

"I think he has all the attributes to do well in the English game because he's aggressive, physical and he's quite prepared to handle that side of the game. Coming to Fulham from Australia was always going to be a big move for him but mentally he's adapted very well - especially considering he's been flying back and forth because of the Olympic squad.

"I know what I'm going to get with Adrian -a good, reliable performance. More often than not he is dominant, aggressive and leads by example at the back and he certainly sets a good standard for everybody about him. You know exactly what you're going to get with Adrian when he's on the pitch which is, ultimately, all you can ask for as a manager."