Goalscorer Younes praises Hugo

Younes Kaboul was modest in his recollection of hitting the target against Fulham on Saturday – the Frenchman preferring to direct praise towards his compatriot, Hugo Lloris.

Wearing the captain’s armband once again, central defender Younes won several important challenges at the back throughout the game while also contributing a goal at the other end when he nudged in Christian Eriksen’s second half free-kick to make it 3-1.

It was a first goal since August, 2011, for the hard-working 28-year-old – and one that he admitted has been a long time coming.

“Of course, I’m delighted to get the goal and enjoy a very good performance – but I just had to put it in to be fair!” Younes confessed.

“It’s been a long time since I last hit the net, I’ve been injured for a long time, but I’m happy to be back on the scoresheet.

“Credit to the boys today because we had a great second half and we won the game fairly.”

Younes was quick to turn post-match attentions to the sterling work of his fellow countryman Hugo, who enjoyed another splendid outing between the sticks.

Our popular goalkeeper made a number of excellent saves – not least keeping out Steve Sidwell’s penalty with 13 minutes remaining – and as such he was talked about with high praise from Younes afterwards.

“Big credit to Hugo because he kept us in the game,” the defender added. “I’ve known Hugo since I was 16 years old when we played together in the French national youth teams, so I’ve seen many times what he can do.

“He is so quick and so intelligent and that’s the difference compared to some of the other goalkeepers.”