Scott Parker’s first spell in football management is going reasonably well, and he has one Fulham player in particular to thank for his side’s unbeaten form.

After 11 games of the season, the Championship is as tight as you’ll ever see it. Moreso at the top, there are only four points separating leaders West Brom from 10th-placed Charlton.

A few good games could shoot you right into contention, and Fulham will be hoping to be up there come May.

Parker will feel his side should be in the top six. Just one point and one place behind Bristol City in that spot, Parker’s side have already drawn four games, two of them from winning positions against West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday.

Fulham have the ability to compete with the Championship’s best, and one man behind all things good at Fulham this season is Joe Bryan.

Bryan was one of many signings made by Fulham when they made it to the Premier League last season. He was part of the defence that conceded 81 goals last season, but has so far been a rock in Fulham’s defence this time around.

The left-back makes averages 3.3 tackles per game in the Championship this season, more than any other player in the league. Although his side have only kept three clean sheets this season, Bryan has been a really important figure for Fulham:

Aside from putting in the tackles, he’s made two assists this season and even bagged himself the opener against Wigan last month. He’s earned himself three Man of the Match awards already, and looks set to get some more.

Fulham are unbeaten since August, but in that time they only won two, drawing the other four. They’re certainly hard to beat, and they've had a tough run of fixtures through late August and September.

But Parker will be expecting more from his side, who resume normal duties against bottom-club Stoke City next weekend.

A solid full-back often goes unsung in football, but Fulham fans recognise the quality work that Bryan is doing for them - he’ll be crucial for Fulham throughout the season, as his side looks to solidify a play-off shout, if not automatic one.

Parker will be praying that his star defender can stay fit for the entirety of the campaign, and could face consequences if his side doesn’t make the top six.

[freshpress-poll ]