I´m the new old boy at Fulham

It was a little weird turning up for pre-season back at Fulham. I´ve been a Fulham player longer than most of the other lads but I still feel like the new boy. Everyone seems to get on well though. There´s a nice atmosphere. I´m enjoying every second of it.

I´m still young but I´ve been through five pre-seasons now. I used to dread it. Now I just accept it´s one of those things you have to go through. I get on with it without moaning; I just whinge afterwards!

My one big pre-season trip was going to South Korea with Fulham. We had a few friendlies against non-league clubs who were up for a run-around. Everyone was trying to find their touch again. We were ok but we´re not used to playing on those kinds of pitches. The opposition were quite excited to be playing against us and wanted to prove a point. That made it a good test.

Being around experienced players at Stoke last season and being in the side more often than not has brought my game on a lot. Players like Dominic Matteo and Andy Griffin always help you. They have played at the highest level in the Premiership. Playing in front of 20,000 crowds at the Britannia Stadium means I can deal with pressure more and I’m more experienced.