Tom Cairney captained a very strong Fulham side within two points of automatic promotion to the Premier League this season, falling just short on the final day and dropping into the play-off places.

The 27-year-old central midfielder can play up the pitch as an attacking threat or deep lying as defensive cover for the back line.

Cairney signed for Fulham from Blackburn Rovers back in 2015, and has gone on to make over a century of appearances for the Cottagers.

In a side alongside players like Ryan Sessegnon, it is credit to the Scottish international that he can stand out, and gain attention from clubs in the Premier League.

Here is three things that West Ham United fans - with their club linked - need to know about Fulham’s Tom Cairney.

Tom Cairney was born in Nottingham to a Scottish father, making him eligible for the Scots at international level.

The 27-year-old made his debut for Scotland in March 2017 in a 1-1 draw against Canada in an international friendly match, and has gone on to play just once more after his first game.

Prior to his call up to the senior side, the midfielder had made appearances for both the Scotland Under-19 and Under-21 sides, making a combined eight appearances.

The midfielder had been signed with Leeds United since the age of seven, but was released from the club’s youth system at the age of 16, after being told he was too small to play for them.

Cairney now stands at six foot tall and is a dominant box to box midfielder player, who shows his dominance on the field every game.

After his release from Elland Road, Cairney joined Hull City’s youth set up, where he went on to make 70 appearances for the first team.

Tom Cairney has played for three teams in his career thus far, Hull City, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham, and has won a player of the year award at each and every one of his clubs.

He was crowned young Player of the Year award in the 2008/09 season whilst at Hull City. Blackburn Rovers awarded him the Player of the Year Award for his work in the 2013/14 season. And then he was announced as Fulham’s 2016/17 Player of the Season.