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Fulham midfielder
Simon Davies |
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THE INTERTOTO CUP has come in for its fair share of stick over the years - but Simon Davies would love the chance to get Fulham into Europe via the back door.
The midfielder reckons anything good enough for Saturday's visitors Manchester United - is good enough for the Whites.
Fulham might be a very long shot for a UEFA Cup spot, which gets a makeover next season. But such is the discipline in the ranks - an Intertoto place via the Fair Play initiative is a very strong possibility.
"It doesn't seem to worry United, playing in the Champions League and all their other competitions," said Davies.
"Sure, it's a lot more games - and we're not the biggest squad. But we have an excellent sports science monitoring system at Fulham - and I reckon we could cope."
The summer competition was once labelled the Inter Two-Bob Cup by one newspaper, and although the only time Fulham entered it in 2002 they won it by beating Serie A Bologna - it ultimately cost former boss Jean Tigana his job as a jaded Fulham faded towards the end of the season.
But Davies reckons the rest of his team-mates should have a chance to savour what the Wales international enjoys on a regular basis.
He said: "You always want to get the best out of your career - and Europe is a part of that where you can get to test yourself against great players."
Davies has a 'sneaky suspicion' Fulham will finally get something out of Saturday's game at the third time of asking against Rooney and co.
Beaten 3-0 in the league and then 4-0 in the FA Cup at home in the last three weeks by United, Davies thinks this time a point at home isn't out of the question.
He said: "Our first away win of the season at Bolton last Saturday was a massive boost.
"After they equalised just before half-time there were a lot of worried looks. So that second-half has made a big difference to our season.
"After the last home defeat to Blackburn, we were dead on our feet. After Saturday's win we felt as good as new."