Fulham manager Chris Coleman has vowed to protect Liberian-born striker Collins John from the media spotlight.

The 18-year-old has scored four goals in three games since joining the Cottagers and Coleman is keen to safeguard the player from over-exposure.

"We have to be careful with Collins but while he's scoring goals we've got to keep him in the team," Coleman said.

"He's made a fantastic start in the Premiership but we have to remember that he is only 18.

"He has to be protected and that's my job."

The Easter weekend was a profitable one for John as he grabbed a brace against Leicester on Good Friday and then added two more during the 4-3 defeat by Blackburn on Monday.

"A lot of people were talking about (John) after the Blackburn game but we want to keep him out of the papers," Coleman added.

"As far as we're concerned, the less pressure on him the better."

The teenage forward is certain to start up front against Liverpool on Saturday after overcoming a hamstring problem during training.

John signed for Fulham from Dutch club FC Twente for an undisclosed fee during the January transfer window.