'Saha can be our joker'

Christian Damiano hopes Louis Saha will be the “joker” who saves Fulham’s Premiership season after he helped the Cottagers conquer Birmingham and clinch their place in tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round draw.

The 27-year-old French striker, out since September with a hamstring problem, returned a fortnight ahead of schedule to score the goal of the game in today’s 3-1 stroll against the disjointed Blues at Loftus Road.

Saha’s 46th-minute strike, spinning Birmingham captain Jeff Kenna and firing past a stationary Nico Vaesen, demonstrated the cutting edge so badly lacking from Fulham’s armoury for much of November and December.

The end to 2002 saw Jean Tigana’s men – FA Cup semi-finalists last season - slump to 16th place, just five points above the drop zone.

Now assistant boss Damiano hopes Saha can revive their faltering league campaign.

“Perhaps he will be our joker for the league,” he said. “It was a great comeback.

“Saha’s performance was very important. He changed the face of the team very quickly, thought about the game very well and felt normal afterwards.

“It was important to confirm our quality today. We’ve been playing well but never scoring, so scoring today was the big difference.

“And with Saha back and a good result today – when we were solid at the back and could have scored more goals – it looks good for the future.

“We’re hoping for the comebacks of some other injured players.

“And with a little more space between games now, we’ll have more opportunities to work with the players.”

The only downside for the Cottagers today was the feeble attendance – just 9,203 despite ticket prices reduced to just £15 – and the news fans have called a public meeting later this month to protest about the club’s plans to quit their traditional home at Craven Cottage.

Damiano said: “It’s better if the stadium’s full – but they were a good crowd today and supported us well.”

Facundo Sava fired Fulham into the lead with 10 minutes gone, taking Steed Malbranque’s pass in his stride and dispatching a low shot into the bottom corner via Vaesen’s glove.

Bjarne Goldbaek netted 12 minutes later, reacting first to seize on Robbie Savage’s half-clearance and dancing past Darryl Powell and Joey Hutchinson to score inside the far post.

Saha struck within 60 seconds of the start of the second half – and Stern John volleyed home 45 minutes later for an injury-time consolation.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce slammed his team’s performance, claiming it was their poorest of the season.

“That was probably the worst game we’ve played in six months,” he said.

“The simple matter is that we were well beaten and didn’t deserve anything less.

“We didn’t get started and only showed anything about us when we were 3-0 down. That’s when we decided to do something about it.

“But with all five of our central defenders missing, and eight players out all together, people like Saha were too much to cope with.”

Bruce hauled off ineffective front pairing Clinton Morrison and Jovan Kirovski at half-time – but replacement strikers John and Craig Fagan fared little better.

Bruce explained: “I was disappointed with the strikers in the first half. But I could have taken about eight players off.”

The boss admitted he is now desperate to see loan signing Christophe Dugarry in action, a sight expected against Arsenal at St Andrews on Sunday.

A paperwork delay prevented the French World Cup-winner making his debut today - and Bruce said: “We hope he can produce the quality you need at this level.

“You can work as hard as you like – but that’s nothing without quality. Christophe’s been a wonderful player over the last 10 years.”

Bruce, who has also landed Lens defender Ferdinand Coly on loan and failed in a bid for Leeds midfielder Lee Bowyer, has now been linked with Arsenal’s Matthew Upson.

Asked about the defender, who has been on loan at Reading this season, Bruce said: “I make it my policy not to comment on other players.

“But we have made a few inquiries for few players and we’re hopeful.

“They’re on the table and we’ll see what happens over the next two or three days.”