Kacaniklic did not feature frequently under Martin Jol and after Sunday's performance this seems like an old decision. Obviously we do not know what goes on behind the scenes but judging by the Swede's display against Villa he needs to be in Fulham's starting line-up. The 22-year-old was a constant thorn in Lambert's side, providing the Whites with a pacey outlet when they looked to counter. In a midfield whose central players have a combined age of 99, the youth and exuberance of Kacaniklic is valuable. The winger won the penalty which Dimitar Berbatov converted to put Fulham 2-0 up and it was more than he deserved for an enthusiastic performance. If Meulensteen wants to build on his first victory than he need look no further than starting Kacaniklic on a regular basis. His width and pace provide a whole new dimensional to an ageing Fulham side.
Simon is an NCTJ qualified sports journalist. He has conducted interviews with Tony Adams and Peter Shilton, while also having work published in The Daily Telegraph and The Sun. Follow him on Twitter via @sr_collings.
