Year to remember so far for Dempsey

Fulham’s Clint Dempsey hopes his bright start to 2012 can continue after scoring the first hat-trick of his career last week.

The American netted three times in Fulham’s 4-0 win over Charlton in the FA Cup on Tuesday, and also played in his first win over Arsenal three days earlier, making it an exciting start to the New Year.

“It’s nice because I can say I’ve done it (scored a hat-trick),” Dempsey told Goal.com. “I’ve come close a lot of times, but I’ve just managed two goals as the highest (in any game) and I’ve done that quite a few times now.”

“It’s good to reach that milestone and hopefully there will be more to come.”

Dempsey’s goal output has improved every season with Fulham. The hat trick against Charlton over the weekend put him within one goal of reaching his career high for a single season of 13 in all competitions, which he set last term.

With six goals in league play and six in cup matches, the midfielder acknowledged that playing on multiple fronts opens up more chances to grab goals.

“I think being part of the Europa League and being in these cup competitions, along with playing in the league, gives you more chances to score goals because it gives you more games to play in,” he said.

“It’s good to get my numbers up and the main goal is to improve every year. I had 13 goals in all competitions last year so hopefully I can get more than that.”

The hat trick sent Fulham through to the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they will face fellow English Premier League side Everton, who boast Dempsey’s U.S. team-mates Tim Howard and Landon Donovan.

But while American fans will surely be drawn to the intriguing matchup, Dempsey will be approaching the game as if he were facing any regular opponent.

“It’s cool to see more Americans playing in Europe, but when you play the game you’re playing against an opponent,” Dempsey said.

“You’re not playing against friends. Even if my brother was playing on the other team, you’re going out there to win the game regardless of who you’re playing against.”

“Playing against two fellow national team players in Tim Howard and Landon Donovan, it’s good to see, but come game day they’re your opponent.”

“They’re going to do everything they can to try and get the better of you. That doesn’t change no matter who you play.”