Duff starts on the bench for Fulham

The Republic of Ireland's Damien Duff, Dickson Etuhu and Andrew Johnson all had to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench for Fulham’s home clash with Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League.

Duff and Etuhu had recovered from their respective calf and ankle injuries but Fulham boss Mark Hughes opted to name the same side that defeated Wigan 2-0 last week.

Aston Villa were without injured strikers Emile Heskey and John Carew so England Under-19 striker Nathan Delfouneso led the attack.

Winger Marc Albrighton was also given a place in the starting line-up after serving a one-match ban against Birmingham last week. Midfielder Barry Bannan was also included at the expense of Ciaran Clark.