Cauley Woodrow surprised by Fulham debut

Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow has admitted that he was surprised to be handed his first-team debut during Saturday's defeat to Cardiff City in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old was given a squad number on Friday before being thrown into the starting lineup in South Wales.

Despite the disappointing result for the Cottagers against their fellow strugglers, Woodrow claims that he enjoyed the 76 minutes that he spent on the pitch.

"The manager hadn't given me any indication in the week that I'd be starting so I was a bit shocked, to be honest," he told the club's official website.

"I found out on Friday I'd be travelling and thought I might get a place on the bench so I was delighted to be told I was starting about two hours before kickoff.

"I was more surprised than nervous as I didn't expect it. The lads helped me through it and when you're out on the pitch you quickly forget about any nerves."

Saturday's defeat has seen Fulham remain four points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Premier League table.