Jol tips Ruiz to shine

Fulham manager Martin Jol has backed misfiring striker Bryan Ruiz to become an important player for the club.

The Costa Rican has managed just two goals in 12 appearances since his estimated 10.6-million-pound move from FC Twente.

However, after netting with a sublime chip against Bolton on Saturday and assisting Clint Dempsey with the opener, Jol has backed his big money man to make a big impression.

“Ruiz will be an important player for us,” Jol said.

“If you talk about the season after next season it would be a bit late. Hopefully he can show his productivity in the next couple of months.”

“I think he’s got the same (skill) as (Mousa) Dembele, but I won’t say that he’s a crowd pleaser because I don’t think that they care about pleasing the crowd.”

“I think he will please himself if he plays well and he knows that he can play well.”

“He was very disappointed that he couldn’t show that in the first couple of months here but he’s happy that he is here and he can show the people. For me it’s important if you look at his fitness.”

“We make assessments every week and he’s getting better and better and he’s in the top three with his stats so that is good for him.”

“Hopefully he can stay fit because that is the main thing. If a player is fit he can work for the team and he can make the difference.”

One player already making an impact at Craven Cottage is Dempsey.

The 28-year-old is Fulham’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League and has become the most prolific American in Premier League history, surpassing former team-mate Brian McBride.

Jol believes Dempsey is an integral part of the Fulham side, but says it is good to see him being kept on his toes by younger players.

“He is an automatic choice,” Jol said.

“That’s why it was very good to see (Kerim) Frei because you can get a younger player who can push the older player.”

“But Clint is always one of the first names on the sheet.”

“If he is very selfish I think he is capable of getting 20 but he wouldn’t get his assists anymore.”