Briggs eyes first-team return

02 March 2011 14:30
Matthew Briggs has targeted a regular place in Fulham's starting XI after revealing that he is close to making a comeback from a three-month injury layoff. The 19-year-old has only made three appearances since coming through the youth ranks at Craven Cottage but Mark Hughes underlined his faith in the youngster by handing him a three-and-a-half year contract extension, which he signed on Tuesday. Briggs started against Port Vale, Chelsea and Arsenal this season before he suffered a serious calf problem against the Gunners in December. He is now back in full training after having an operation and hopes to persuade Hughes that he deserves to be first-choice left-back ahead of Carlos Salcido and Chris Baird. "Picking up the injury was gutting for me, but I'm hoping to get back in the match-day squad again before the end of the season and get a few games," he said.

Source: PA