COLLINS LEFT OUT TO REST

FULHAM manager Jean Tigana has explained the reason behind John Collins' absence from the side that beat Portsmouth 3-1 on Saturday, stating that the former Monaco star has been rested to allow him to recover from injury.

Collins, who joined The Cottagers from Everton in the summer, has been an integral part of the side that currently sits at the top of the First Division, but Tigana has revealed that the 32-year-old midfielder has been struggling with injury for sometime.

The former Scotland international has been dogged by a hamstring injury in recent weeks, and he was rested at the weekend in a bid to get him back to full fitness.

Fulham communications manager Mark Maunders explained the situation on the official Fulham website at the weekend: "To his credit, John has been playing despite being in some pain. The rest today will help and he'll be back sooner rather than later."

Fulham travel to Sheffield United on Tuesday evening, as they look to extend their five point lead over second placed Watford in the table, although it is not yet known if Collins will again be rested for that match.