17Matthew BriggsDefender

Having made his Fulham debut some six seasons ago, it is hard to believe that Matthew Briggs is still in his early 20s.

Recognised as not just a bright prospect for the Club, but his country too having become the Premier League’s youngest-ever player in May 2007. While playing time may have been restricted since, the left-back has always impressed when called upon, particularly in last season’s UEFA Europa League - a competition in which he scored a spectacular first senior goal.

Primarily a left-back, Briggs holds desirable attributes at both ends of the pitch. He can defend, but he’s also extremely comfortable on the ball; he has pace, can pass, is athletic and can get up and down the pitch.

Another youngster that Martin Jol rates highly, and one that we could see a bit more of during the 2012/13 season having learned much from the experience of John Arne Riise. Having already made a purposeful breakthrough, Briggs will be looking to establish himself fully in the white of Fulham.

On 26th October 2012, the Club announced that Briggs had joined Bristol City on a one-month loan deal. He made four appearances for the Robins before returning to SW6.

Briggs was to go out on loan again, however, when it was announced at the beginning of March that he would remain with promotion-chasing Watford in the Championship until the end of the season.