Tigers’ Stockdale is recalled by Fulham after goalkeeper’s injury

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has impressed at the KC Stadium, playing five times which has seen the Tigers pick up 10 points plus two clean sheets.

But an injury to Neil Etheridge has prompted the Cottagers to recall Stockdale immediately, and he returns to Craven Cottage today for training ahead of the busy festive fixture list.

With Mark Schwarzer the regular No 1 at Craven Cottage, Stockdale was last month allowed to join the npower Championship promotion hopefuls.

The 27-year-old impressed in his short time with the Tigers but is now heading back to the Fulham ranks.

“The club can confirm that goalkeeper David Stockdale has been recalled from his loan spell at Hull City with immediate effect and will resume training with Fulham from Thursday 20th December,” a Fulham statement said.

“Stockdale made five appearance for the Tigers, helping them to earn 10 points and two clean sheets in the process.”

Stockdale goes into the squad for Saturday’s trip to Liverpool, while an update on 22-year-old Etheridge’s injury will be given by manager Martin Jol at today’s pre-match press conference ahead of Anfield.

Goalkeeper Etheridge is believed to have sustained a leg injury on Monday, playing for Fulham’s Under-21 team against their Manchester City counterparts.

QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt has confirmed he wants to play for Morocco at the African Nations Cup next month.

Hoops manager Harry Redknapp last week revealed he had asked Taarabt to miss the tournament to stay and help struggling QPR in their battle to avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

But Taarabt, 23, is now hoping he earns a recall by his country.