Diop has licence to thrill

Chris Coleman has given midfield enforcer Pape Bouba Diop licence to shake-up opponents.

Fulham's Senegal international was brought in from Lens this summer to add resilience and has already shown his strength in the tackle.

He was a key player in Fulham's 2-0 win over Bolton on Saturday even if Andy Cole grabbed the limelight with his two goals.

Manager Coleman said: "He is built for the Premiership. It is fast and furious and players in his position need to be strong and quick and athletic, which he is.

"He tackles hard and I know he'll upset a lot of people with his style but I don't care about that.

"Last season I know he was booked 12 or 13 times in the French League and sent off twice so he's no slouch in the physical stakes, but on the other side of the coin he's got good feet and can play.

"Finishing is not Pape's best point but he's not here to do that. In fact, I hope he doesn't get to be too good or we might lose him."