Hughes' Verdict

Fulham's players took part in the Barclays Asia Trophy Community Day at Siu Sai on Wednesday before attending the British Council Reception in the Grand Hyatt Ballroom. Tomorrow the players will return to training ahead of Friday's final game against South China and as Aaron Hughes confirmed, the trip is proving to be an outright success.

“Obviously the Manager’s been really busy in the transfer market in recent weeks so the timing of this trip was ideal. Being away together, as a team, in a place like Hong Kong, has been fantastic.

"For the new players it’s a great chance to get to know everyone and integrate into the squad. Fortunately most of the new lads knew the coaching staff and some of the players already so it’s been a pretty smooth transition for everyone concerned.

“It’s been good to get some rest today after Tuesday’s game and our pre-season calendar is giving us game time against quality opposition. Considering the conditions, in terms of the climate, I thought we played well on Tuesday and actually deserved to win the game, considering the amount of chances we created. Conceding right before half-time after creating two really good opportunities on goal was disappointing but against Premiership opposition you have to take your chances or you’ll get punished.

“I’m expecting an even tougher game on Friday against South China – they will want to end this tournament on a high after losing to Liverpool so we need to put in a good performance. Of course, their players are conditioned to the local climate and I’m sure this will be apparent in our tactics for the game.

"I’m looking forward to the game – as I said, it’s been a fantastic experience both personally and collectively to come over to Hong Kong. Everyone has been so hospitable and friendly over here and it’s important that’s recognised.

“There’s a really good atmosphere amongst the lads and the level of competitiveness in training is great. I’m impressed with the squad Lawrie has created here at Fulham in such a short space of time and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve next season.

"We’ve also got Jimmy Bullard to come back and when he returns it will be like signing a new player. The Manager’s talked of a top ten position and when you look at the players at the Club I think that’s a realistic target.”