Fulham's out-of-sorts strikers just need a confidence boost to become clinical finishers once again, according to manager Jean Tigana.

The Whites boss refuses to panic, despite watching his players' lack of conviction in front of goal cost Fulham another three points against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Fulham still have just one win from eight league games the club's worst start to a season for 11 years. They have also scored just three times in their last six Premiership games.

But Tigana insists strikers Louis Saha, Barry Hayles, Steve Marlet and Luis Boa Morte will come good and that he is not looking to buy.

"I would prefer to wait and work with this team," said Tigana. "I need a killer in the box.

"I think my players need confidence and to get that you need to work. We are missing too many chances and we need more determination in the area."

The Whites dominated possession against Villa, but wasted several chances to score and their dismal afternoon was capped off when Saha missed a late penalty.

Goals from Darius Vassell and Ian Taylor saw Villa keep their unbeaten record this season and move into fourth place in the Premiership.

But Fulham are now in 15th place, just two points off the bottom of the table, and they will be looking to end their goal drought when they play host to Ipswich Town this Sunday (1pm).

The men might look no further than their women's team to learn the art of clinical finishing.

Fulham Ladies are second in the National League South Division, having scored 60 goals in five matches and conceding only one.

Away to Berkhamsted last Sunday, they won 12-0 to stay one point behind leaders Millwall with a game in hand.

Marianne Pettersen (five), Sanchia Duncan (two), Katie Chapman, Rachel Yankey and Margunn Haugenes scored for the Whites.

October 26, 2001 15:00