Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen admits leaning on former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as they battle against the drop.

The Dutchman - who took charge at Fulham following Martin Jol's departure in December - remains in regular contact with Ferguson and intends to use some of those pointers from his former boss in the battles ahead over the run-in.

"I have spoken to him like I do, on and off. Sometimes he rings me and sometimes I ring him. He is always a phone call away," said Meulensteen, who will not be able to use £11million deadline day signing Kostas Mitroglou, Johnny Heitinga or Lewis Holtby in Tuesday's cup replay.

"I have always felt that whenever we stared into adversity or disappointment, I have always found him remarkably strong in those moments.

"You could never spot any doubt in his words or behaviour, that always transferred back to the players and I want to do exactly the same (at Fulham)."