Scott Malone believes Fulham striker Matt Smith is more than capable of filling the void left by Chris Martin's refusal to play.

The Derby loanee is keen to return to the iPro Stadium and has been absent from the Whites' squad for their abandoned game at Reading as well as their 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton on January 2.

Smith started up front against the Seagulls, giving a good account of himself, and Malone believes he is more than capable of replacing Martin.

The full back said: “I think Matty played exceptionally well against two of the best centre halves in the league. Up until he went off, he did really well.

“He's more than capable (of replacing Martin). He was tremendous in the first seven or eight games so he's more than capable.”

(Image: GetWestLondon)

Fulham can feel hard done by after their defeat to the league leaders but Malone knows the Whites must take their chances when they come.

He added: “We can't keep saying it's harsh though. We were 1-0 up at their place and lost 2-1. They haven't done anything special to win the game.

“We can't keep saying it. We've played well for 90 minutes and if you don't win games, you don't get promoted.

“We're not scoring as much as we're creating. They've had one shot on target and a penalty and they've won 2-1. I don't know what to say. We'll have to move on.”