Fulham boss Kit Symons has refused to blame goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli for the team's defeat to Sunderland in the FA Cup.

Bettinelli was at fault for Sunderland's equaliser at Craven Cottage last night as Fulham were beaten 3-1 in their fourth-round replay.

Despite making such a costly error, Symons has backed the 22-year-old shot-stopper to recover quickly.

"It was obviously a mistake, but Marcus has been excellent for us," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "I am certainly not going to point any blame at him. He'll be alright, he is a very strong character and he has been absolutely superb for us this season.

"One mistake like that won't affect him too bad. He is disappointed, obviously, and a bit upset, but these things happen. He will dust himself down and get on with it."

Fulham continue their Championship campaign on Saturday when they host Birmingham City.