Scott Parker reveals his message to ex-Sunderland striker Josh Maja as Fulham target Newcastle United

Josh Maja has made an instant impression on Scott Parker but the Fulham boss is wary of putting too much pressure on the new signing.
Josh Maja of Fulham scores their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Fulham.Josh Maja of Fulham scores their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Fulham.
Josh Maja of Fulham scores their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Fulham.

Maja scored twice on his Premier League debut in Fulham’s 2-0 win over Everton to boost survival hopes with Parker’s side now seven points adrift of Newcastle United, beaten 2-0 by Chelsea on Monday evening.

The former Sunderland striker has fitted straight in at Fulham and Parker has been impressed.

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Fulham take on Burnley on Wednesday, with Newcastle not in action again until Manchester United away on Sunday evening.

Before the game at Goodison Park, the Cottagers had found the net just four times in the league since Christmas, but Parker was reluctant to put too much pressure on the new signing.

He said: “What a way to start, full Premier League debut for us and to score two goals and for us to win the game it was pretty special for him really.

“I’m really conscious, I don’t want to put a lot on someone so young’s shoulders but I’ve been very impressed in the short space of time I’ve been working with Josh and hopefully that can continue really.

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“He’s fitted in very, very well. I think he’s come into a young group, a real energetic upbeat group of players and he’s fitted in to that bracket very, very well.

“He’s also fitted in in a short space of time as one who wants to learn, a player who wants to get better and I think that’s vitally important when you come in to where we are and he’s made those strides very, very easily.”

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