Stand-in keeper knuckles down in a bid to become first choice

Speculation surrounding the future of Mark Schwarzer, as well as a reported back injury, have forced Fulham to start the season without their number one keeper.

New boss Mark Hughes could have been forgiven for thinking the worst, but he was confident enough to leave the Australian out of the side and turn to his deputy David Stockdale.

The 24-year-old had just one Premier League appearance to his name and had only played four times in total for Fulham before the start of this season.

It didn't take long for any nerves Hughes may have had about playing his young keeper to be settled, as he put in a fine performance and was equal to everything that Bolton could throw at him; a flying save to deny Johan Elmander stands out.

Wanderers' boss Owen Coyle stated after the game that the greatest compliment he could pay the youngster was that Schwarzer was not missed.

Stockdale began his career at York City before moving to Darlington and then to Fulham in 2008.

He has had several loan spells at the likes of Worksop Town, Rotherham United and Leicester City during that time and has struggled to settle in on place for an extended period.

The keeper, who spent much of last season on loan at Plymouth, could have been distracted by rumours linking Fulham with other keepers should Schwarzer depart, thinking he may miss out on his chance again.

The likes of Aston Villa stopper Brad Friedel have been mentioned, but instead Stockdale has concentrated on trying to prove he has the ability to become first choice.

Stockdale could do very little to keep out Paul Scholes' pile-driver last weekend, or the unfortunate own goal scored by Brede Hangeland towards the end, but he did pick up his second clean sheet in three games in the Carling Cup in midweek.

If, as expected, he retains his place this weekend then he will be confident of keeping out newly promoted Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.