Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge says leaving Chelsea for Fulham has been the making of him.
Philippines goalkeeper Etheridge was initially on the books of SW6 rivals Chelsea in his early teens, and whilst he admits that his opening education there taught him a lot, he cites his six years at Fulham as being the most beneficial.
"It's at Fulham where I have made my progression," he said. "I've learned a lot here and I feel, particularly in the last 18 months, that I have come on leaps and bounds. I feel more confident and a real part of the First Team squad now.
"It's difficult when you first come up from the Academy - it takes a little while to assert yourself. I've worked my way up through the scholarship and I'm very proud of that. It wasn't that long ago that I was playing for the Under-18s, although it does feel like a long time now.
"I try and keep in touch with the players I came through with - it's only Matty Saunders and Matthew Briggs that remain here from that group now. That just shows how fine the line is at this level and you just don't know where this game will take you.
"As a result I'm determined to prove my worth and hopefully be a part of things here as well. You have to adapt quickly and show what you can do - for a goalkeeper sometimes that can be extremely difficult."