Interview: Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli

Last season was a big one for Marcus Bettinelli as he became Fulham's number one goalkeeper at the age of 22, also earning a call-up to the England Under-21s squad for the U21 Euro 2015 tournament in the Czech Republic.

He then started this season between the sticks for the Cottagers before his year was rocked by a knee ligament injury suffered in August.

Now halfway through the recovery process, Bettinelli is beginning to look ahead to a first-team return in 2016, with Fulham hoping to be somewhere near the Championship's promotion mix towards the end of the season.

Yesterday, Bettinelli took some time out with teammate Jack Grimmer to help at the London Poppy Day in Leadenhall Market to raise money for The Royal British Legion. Thanks to Sky Bet, we caught up with the shot-stopper.

Marcus, how have you enjoyed helping out at the London Poppy Day?

"Yeah it's good to get out of the gym and come and represent the club at events like this. At this time of year it's always good to raise awareness for The Royal British Legion and urge people to wear the poppy with pride.

"It's frustrating being out injured at the moment, but it's nice to be able to get out and have a bit of fun."

You mention your injury there, how is the recovery coming along?

"Yeah I did my MCL about two months ago now. It seems a lot longer ago than that, but recovery is going well. I'm still in my brace for a few more weeks, but once that's off I'll be getting fit and kicking on to return as soon as possible, really."

Is there a date you're targeting for your return?

"I'm hoping around sort of February time. I'd be happy to get back anytime before the end of the season, but if I was going to push myself and get myself out there as quick as possible, I'd be very happy with around February."

© Getty Images

Last season was a great year for you, breaking into the first team, but then you got the injury and now both Andy Lonergan and Joe Lewis (on a season-long loan) are playing well. It's going to be quite hard for you to get back in the team isn't it?

"Yeah, it will. Joe and Lonners have done really well. Lonners stepped in when I got injured and him and Joe have been sharing duties this season. It is gonna be tough. When I do get back fit, I'm a very confident young man and I'm confident in my ability to get back in the team.

"When I'm back in training I know I can show the coaching staff what I can do and then it'll be up to them who plays on a Saturday. Whether it's me or not, I'll be supporting the lads either way."

You haven't been able to play for the last couple of months, but what have you made of the team's performances this season?

"Well it's really hard to sit on the sidelines and watch, but I think we're in a much better position than last season. As a team we're stronger and we've got more individual talent.

"It's been a bit of an up-and-down season for us, but I think we're starting to gel more together. Good teams take a long time to build and we're getting there together. We've shown that in some of our performances this year, we've not been as consistent as we'd like to be."

© Getty Images

Consistency is so important in the Championship, isn't it? You guys came back from two down to beat high-flying Reading recently but it's important to kick on from that...

"Absolutely. To be consistent is what everybody wants in football. We showed great fight against Reading the other day to come back from behind. We now have to take what we did in the second half against Reading and use it in the next game and the game after that."

That's taken you up to 11th in the table, seven points off the playoffs. Is the top six your target?

"We definitely want to finish higher than just mid-table. We're a confident young bunch of lads with a few experienced heads in there and we honestly believe as a group that we're well and truly good enough to give it a go this year.

"I know we said that a few times last year but we're in a much better place than we were last year after relegation. We're hoping this year the sky's the limit. If we fall short, we fall short, but we definitely want to finish higher than where we are now."

On a personal level, you signed a new long-term contract earlier this summer amid some reported interest from Chelsea. You haven't been able to really push on so far this term, but do you see your future with Fulham?

"Of course. If I didn't then I wouldn't have signed the contract. I want to be at this club. At the moment I am injured but hopefully it's only six months of what will be a very long career. I want to stay at Fulham for as many years as I can.

"I want the club to be back in the position that it was when I was coming up through the youth ranks, as a top-five Premier League club in a European final. That's where I see myself and that's where the team sees itself."

Another player who's come through the ranks in striker Moussa Dembele. He's been amongst the goals this season, have you been impressed with him?

© Getty Images

"I've played with Moussa the last few years in the Under-21s and he's always been a real threat to opposing teams. This year he's gained confidence from his performances and that then helps the team a lot."

You say you're in a stronger position this year than last. Could you pinpoint one or two things in particular that have improved?

"I don't think it's anything big really. I think little things end up equalling big things if you tweak them a little. As a team, it was good to have a pre-season with the manager (Kit Symons), which we didn't have last season with other personnel (Felix Magath) in charge at the time."

Internationally, you were away in the Czech Republic with England's Under-21s at the European Championship. How was that?

"Well, if you had told me a year ago when I was on loan at Accrington Stanley that I would be playing for England Under-21s in a friendly before the Euros, I would have said you were lying.

© Getty Images

"It was a great opportunity to go away with the lads and what was such a strong side. It was a bit disappointing the way we went out, but for me it was a great achievement to be in the squad and I had to pinch myself at times."

When you see what former Under-21 keepers like Jack Butland are doing now, that must be the level you're aiming for?

"Of course. I've been watching Buts for a long time and he's doing terrifically at Stoke and I hope it continues for him. I'm not putting any pressure on myself or any deadlines, I just want to be back playing for Fulham as soon as possible. I love playing football week in, week out."