Fulham boss Parker: Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek joined us weary and down | OneFootball

Fulham boss Scott Parker has hailed the progress of on-loan Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek this season.

Loftus-Cheek has played an instrumental role in Fulham's recent revival, which has seen them move to within three points of safety.

Unbeaten in four, Parker's side go to Crystal Palace, one of Loftus-Cheek's former clubs, on Sunday looking to continue their excellent run.

"From when he first came into the building you could sense someone a little bit weary and someone who was a little bit down," Parker said.

"He had been out for an extremely long time and had not played a lot of football. I've just seen someone grow, grow and grow into the player who we've all seen.

"There's still loads to come but this is a player at this moment in time who, given moments in games, can take the game by the scruff of the neck and be that powerful, technically-gifted midfield player."

Upwardly mobile Fulham have collected eight points from their last four games and Parker believes the recent turnaround has a lot to do with the form of Loftus Cheek.

"I think he's grown in confidence. I think the environment and the work he's done in this short space of time has been a credit to him,' he explained.

"I've been very, very pleased with him and he's going in the right direction."