Hayles can copy Stewart success

Fulham striker Barry Hayles is being tipped to follow in the footsteps of Marcus Stewart and become an instant hit in the Premiership.

Stewart's 21 goals last season saw Ipswich qualify for the UEFA Cup in their first season back in the top flight.

Now Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway, who brought Hayles out of non-League football, believes the Fulham forward will make his mark.

"There is not a shred of doubt in my mind Barry will score goals in the Premiership," said Holloway, who signed Hayles from Stevenage when he was in charge at Bristol Rovers five years ago.

"I don't listen when people say he won't do it. They said exactly the same last year about Marcus Stewart, who I also had at Bristol Rovers, and look what he achieved. I am convinced Barry can do the same."

Left-back Jon Harley, signed from Chelsea this week for £3.5 million, is expected to make his debut in place of Rufus Brevett when Fulham take on UEFA Cup runners-up Alaves in a friendly at Craven Cottage tomorrow.