Smertin delighted to make scoring start at Fulham

He told fulhamfc.com: “Now I’m looking for deflections, this is my type of goal. Two goals, two deflections – but they all count.

“I’m very happy. After playing for Charlton I decided to go back to Russia to settle down with my family but I was disappointed with the level in the Russian Premiership. Compared to English football it’s not the same – even though there are many good Russian players.

“I would love to finish my career at Fulham. It’s a good team and I feel very comfortable here and I’m very happy. I would love to get into Europe but I know it’s difficult because the Premier League is getting better and better every season and it’s less predictable.”