Zat Knight

Zat Knight is looking forward to captaining Fulham through their demanding Christmas schedule.

Knight has taken the armband in the absence of the injured Luis Boa Morte, and led Fulham to a 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough on Monday.

"I'm the longest-serving player at Fulham, and getting the armband with Boa Morte out has given me that extra bit of responsibility," he said.

"But I'm enjoying that and I'm looking forward to leading the team over Christmas."

With the likes of Papa Bouba Diop, Claus Jensen, Simon Elliott, Mark Pembridge and Jimmy Bullard also sidelined some individuals had to play out of position against Boro, but Knight is confident the team can continue to overcome their injury problems and have a successful Christmas.

"It will be tough without guys like Papa Bouba Diop and Luis Boa Morte but that's what a squad is about," he urged.

"We have guys playing out of position like Moritz Volz and Carlos Bocanegra but they have shown a real hunger.

"Maybe that's a blessing for us because it's exactly what we'll need over the next few weeks."

Knight insists that Fulham are in high spirits following their victory over Boro, but has challenged his team-mates to pick up another three points against West Ham this Saturday.

"Beating Middlesbrough was massive because it takes us away from the bottom four or five, but it's another huge game on Saturday because West Ham are struggling as well," he explained.

"The Christmas period is more important than ever for us because, apart from Chelsea, we play sides that are either near the bottom or around us.

"It's a very tight group just above relegation. You can't take your foot of the gas, especially over the Christmas period when the games come thick and fast."