Derek Boateng hails match-winner Darren Bent

Fulham midfielder Derek Boateng has praised his teammate Darren Bent after the striker scored the winner during Saturday's victory over Stoke City in the Premier League.

Bent, who is on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa, bagged his third goal of the campaign as the Cottagers earned a 1-0 triumph in front of their home fans.

The win was enough to see Fulham climb out of the relegation zone with seven games played.

"He's a really good finisher," Boateng told the club's official website. "He's done a great job since he came in and everyone is really happy with him. Hopefully he can continue to score important goals like that."

Fulham return to action on October 21 when they travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.