By Geoff Pruce

After a spell on the sidelines, Nathaniel Chalobah has now featured in each of our last seven outings, and wants to continue to play his part as we target a successful end to the season.

Despite the scoreline, do you think we can be proud of our efforts in Manchester?

Yeah, definitely. I think we had probably one of our best 45 minutes of the season in the first half. Going into the game our main focus was to have the courage to play against a good team like City. The most important thing was to show that bravery to get on the ball and play the way that we play, which is what the Manager reiterates every week. I think the first half was a great image of ourselves, and in the second half things changed a little bit. They changed their formation and the way that they pressed us. The result could have been different on another day, but a lot of the boys really enjoyed the game.

You were up against an experienced midfield of Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan – how did you personally enjoy that test?

It was good. They’re world class players, and you always want to go up against the best. It was a good challenge playing against them. I’ve played with Kevin before [at Chelsea] and played against him a few times as well, so I knew what the challenge was going to be. He’s a top quality player, and so are the other two in their midfield, so it was just about concentrating and doing the best that I could.

Nathaniel Chalobah ahead of kick-off at Manchester City

It must feel good after getting 90 minutes under your belt against such top opposition?

It was brilliant for me really to get 90 minutes. I mean, I looked up at the clock and I was gassed out at probably about 60! There’s no better way to get your fitness up than to chase some very good players around.

Our strength in depth in central midfield is probably the best it’s been all season in terms of having people fit and available – that’s what you need isn’t it if you want to be getting promoted?

Of course. That competitive spirit between all of us is what gets us performing at a high level every week. Healthy competition is what you need when a team’s objective is to get back to the Premier League. With all the players we have in the squad, there’s always going to be a fight for your spot. Those playing will fight hard to keep their spot, and likewise those of us who are trying to get in the team. Competition is good as we’re always at our best level, and we’ll just try and take that into games. If the team’s doing well and winning every week, you can’t complain. The most important thing is the team, so if the team’s doing well, and I’m part of it, then there’s no complaints there. Obviously I’d love to be starting every week, but you’ve got to give credit to the boys who are playing. They’re doing really well, and we’re winning games. At the end of the day, the objective is to get to the Premier League, whichever way we do it.

Nathaniel Chalobah sprays a pass

Millwall have taken four points from their last two, with two clean sheets as well – this one is always a battle isn’t it?

They’re a tough side to play against. Our advantage is we’re at home and we’ve come back from a good performance that we’ll look to try and emulate. We’ve just got to focus on ourselves. We’re top of the league for a reason and we just have to go out there and play with confidence.

There will be a period of applause in the 11th minute in memory of Paul Parish – that will be an emotional moment won’t it because it’s something that’s affected the entire Fulham family?

Yes of course. It was a difficult moment for us as players [during the Blackpool game] because we saw the reaction from the crowd and it’s not a nice thing to see. God rest his soul, he’s come to watch a game and not been able to go back home. It’s a difficult one for everyone involved with the Club and my condolences go out to his family and his loved ones.