Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has insisted that Bryan Ruiz is part of his plans at Craven Cottage.

In the three matches that the Dutch boss has taken charge of so far, Ruiz is yet to start any of them.

It has resulted in reports that he could leave the club during the January transfer window, but Meulensteen has revealed that the Costa Rican will be given an opportunity in the starting lineup soon.

"Sometimes players go through a bad patch. That was the case a little bit with Bryan. It is confidence that drives players on and sometimes you need to protect them a little bit," the London Evening Standard quotes Meulensteen as saying.

"Bryan is a very creative, attacking player. He is a game changer. There are so many games to come and all the players will have a role to play."

Both PSV Eindhoven and Anderlecht have recently been linked with a move for the 28-year-old.