Smalling stunned by sudden success

Chris Smalling is struggling to come to terms with the meteoric rise which has seen him go from non-league footballer to Fulham’s hottest prospect in 18 months.

Defender Smalling made his first Barclays Premier League start against Chelsea last week and helped Fulham keep a clean sheet in their FA Cup win over Swindon on Saturday in the absence of injured centre back Brede Hangeland.