Fulham v Huddersfield Town: Fit and flying Scannell is responding to ‘love-in’ with Town under Powell

However, it is only in the past two months or so that Scannell has managed anything like his best form in a Town shirt.

For Powell, the revival of his fellow Londoner’s career has been a major bonus and speaking ahead of today’s trip to Fulham, Powell said: “The young man has done it himself and I am not going to take all the plaudits for that. I remember a supporter saying to me before a Q&A (early in his reign), ‘Why didn’t you let him go?’ But I think I have shown him a bit of love.

“He has responded. Some do want to know that they are part of the plan, others you don’t have to say much to.

“I have told Sean that there aren’t many players like him in the division. The next thing for him is to do it consistently.

“A fit and flying Scannell is what the fans want to see and I am conscious of that. So, do I. Even though I was a full-back, I love to see good old-fashioned wing play.”

Town’s seven-game unbeaten run came to an end in midweek with a 3-2 defeat at Derby County.

Powell commented: “I thought I had gone into the wrong dressing room (after) because no one was talking. But I liked that. My message is to bounce back and show it was just a blip against a side who know the league well.”

Town have signed Diego Poyet, 19-year-old son of former Leeds United assistant Gus, on loan from West Ham until December.

Last six games: Fulham WDWLDD, Huddersfield Town DWDDWL.

Referee: A Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

Last time: Fulham 3 Huddersfield Town 0; November 4, 2000; Division One.