Knight: We'll stay cool against West Brom

Zat Knight insists there will be no repeat of the ugly scenes that marred Fulham's last meeting with West Brom when the two teams clash at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Fulham's Andy Cole and Papa Bouba Diop, and West Brom's Neil Clement were all sent off in a bad-tempered 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns in September, during which seven other players were booked.

"We outplayed them at their place and thought we should have come away with three points," said Knight, who recently regained his place at the heart of Fulham's defence.

"But I remember Andy Cole and Neil Clement throwing a couple of punches - I ran about 25 yards to try and split them up, though that's all behind us now. We just want to get three points and leave the handbag stuff in the changing rooms."

West Brom, rooted to the foot of the Premiership, will be equally anxious to win. Their task should be made easier by the absence of Cole, who is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards.

"He's our top scorer and so it's a big blow that he'll not be playing," said Knight. "We'll miss his experience, his voice on the pitch and his goalscoring ability but we have confidence that whoever replaces him, whether it is Brian McBride, Tomasz Radzinski or Collins John, can do a job."

Knight also believes that Fulham are feeling the benefit of a mini-revival. A victory over Crystal Palace was followed up by a hard-fought draw at Southampton before last weekend's draw at Watford in the FA Cup.

"We're on a bit of a run," said the centre-half. "We have not lost in three games, some people might say that's nothing but from where we are coming from it's a good sign because not losing can breed a bit of confidence."

Fulham's improved results might also be the product of a treatment room that is gradually clearing. Luis Boa Morte returned for the Palace fixture, while Lee Clark is now pushing for a starting spot, increasing competition for places. "Before we were maybe taking it a bit easy, but people are coming back now and everyone wants to get in the team," said Knight.

"Now, if you are not doing well, you know that the gaffer is going to replace you."

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