Fulham

Rene Meulensteen backs misfiring Darren Bent

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 11 January 2014

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen backs out-of-form Darren Bent to rediscover his best form in time to help the club survive relegation.

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen is hoping that striker Darren Bent can rediscover his goalscoring form and help the club avoid relegation this season.

The England international has managed just four goals since arriving at Craven Cottage on a season-long loan from Aston Villa in the summer, the most recent of which coming in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City in a FA Cup third-round tie last weekend.

However, the 29-year-old has over 100 Premier League goals under his belt and Meulensteen backs the out-of-form marksman to ultimately reclaim his prowess in front of goal and aid the Cottagers' survival bid in the process.

He told The Mirror: "Darren's going to be important for us.

"Sometimes players get knocked out of their stride. It's how they respond and if they do it in the right way they come back stronger.

"His stats don't lie. He's still a very good striker that you want to have in your squad. Every forward thrives on that confidence to get that goal. He might be one of those players who gets in a rhythm where he can't stop scoring."

The Cottagers, who sit 16th in the standings in England's top flight, welcome fellow strugglers Sunderland to West London this afternoon.