Fulham's January signing John Heitinga has admitted that he is looking forward to the "challenge" of helping to keep the club in the Premier League.

Heitinga said that there is a good enough team spirit for Fulham to avoid the drop and also said that he would like to make his debut this Sunday against Manchester United.

"The spirit in the squad is good," Heitinga told the club's official website. "I knew Maarten Stekelenburg beforehand from the national team and the other boys have welcomed me into the group.

"They're professionals and good players. We know exactly what we need to do to get out of this situation. It's a top club and we have the quality to be higher up the table than we are.

"Hopefully I'll make my debut on Sunday. It will be a good challenge but a tough game away from home. United haven't been as dominant at home this season as they have in the past, we need to get some points and we're aiming to start on Sunday. If I can help play a part, then that will be good."

Heitinga, 30, came into the club while fellow centre-backs Aaron Hughes and Philippe Senderos left.