Stansfield Shines Against Former Club as Fulham Advance in Carabao Cup

Jay Stansfield, a former loan signing for Birmingham City, scored against his old club to help Fulham secure a place in the Carabao Cup third round with a 2-0 victory.

Despite making 11 changes from the side that triumphed over Leicester in the Premier League, Fulham started strongly. Mexico forward Raul Jimenez converted a ninth-minute penalty after Birmingham's Alex Cochrane handled a goalbound shot from Tom Cairney.

Stansfield, now 21, doubled Fulham's lead with a deft curling shot in the 15th minute. Showing respect for his former team, Stansfield chose not to celebrate his goal.

Birmingham, who previously won the Carabao Cup in 2011, responded with determination. Keshi Anderson’s header was cleared off the line by Timothy Castagne, and Willum Thor Willumsson struck the bar with a free-kick as the home side sought a way back into the match.

Fulham manager Marco Silva addressed Stansfield's future after the game, suggesting that while the club plans for him to be part of their squad, his place in the Premier League starting eleven remains competitive.

"The plan for him is to be part of our squad. It's really tough to be part of the 11 in the Premier League, but he's ready to fight for it," Silva said, indicating that Stansfield's future with Fulham is all but assured despite the challenges of the transfer market.