Tom Cairney could do with a rest . . but Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic proud of Fulham skipper’s Scotland call

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

FULHAM boss Slavisa Jokanovic insists Tom Cairney’s Scotland call-up is richly deserved – even if he is gutted his talisman will be denied a much-needed rest.

Cairney, 26, has been rewarded for a superb campaign for the Cottagers with his maiden international call-up for the clashes against Canada and Slovenia later this month.

The Fulham skipper has scored nine goals this term as they eye a late promotion push, with Scots boss Gordon Strachan described him as ‘the best player on the pitch’ during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Newcastle.

While delighted for the playmaker, Jokanovic admits the recognition is a double-edged sword, given Cairney has already played 39 matches this term.

“He absolutely deserves it and we’re really happy for him,” the Craven Cottage gaffer told GetWestLondon.

“[It means] we’ll have less time to rest him – but he has to be satisfied as it’s some compensation for his team and himself.”

Jokanovic has previously described Cairney as one of the best players in the English Championship, and lauded: “He’s improved and grown up with us.

“This Fulham team have grown up with him too – he helped myself and my staff to develop this style we play football with.

“He brings many things, he’s an important part of our team in terms of dominating the game and he connects many successful passes. He’s a player who has some fantastic confidence in himself and can score goals and make assists in the position.”