Fulham striker Brian McBride has spoken of the lift a visit from chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has given the relegation-threatened side.

"Everybody walked out a few inches taller," said American McBride ahead of Sunday's clash with Everton at Craven Cottage.

"He took time out of his busy schedule this week to come down here and make sure the players knew he was behind us.

"We know he is very passionate about Fulham and it was great to see him.

"He wanted to make sure we refocus for the run-in and have a winning mentality. He said we need to have the will to win - that and a few things that probably stay between the players."

Fulham are next to bottom and need to make up a six-point deficit in the nine games that remain if they are to survive in the Barclays Premier League.

"Every game is extremely important now and we are a group of guys that need to stick together and play for each other," added McBride.

"That's the only way we have done well and will do well in the future.

"There's a great responsibility. We're playing for a whole group of people, including, of course, fans that have supported this club for a lot longer than I've been born, let alone known soccer."

Manager Roy Hodgson, who took over from the sacked Lawrie Sanchez just after Christmas, said it was at his instigation that Al Fayed called in on the players.

Hodgson knows how important attitude can be in the fight for survival, but has made the formation of the side his main priority since arriving.

"Since day one Roy has focused a lot on the shape of the team, getting us to have a greater understanding of movement with the ball and without the ball," stated McBride.

"He's changing the style and we're all having to adapt. He's trying to play a brand of soccer that's attractive to watch for a lot of people.

"It's up to us to understand what he wants us to do and do it - if we don't it's our fault.

"Our shape's been 4-5-1 mostly and there's quite a bit more possession in midfield, which is something he wants. As a team we need to be a little bit more penetrating.

"The addition of Eddie (Johnson) has given us some pace that can hopefully create some more space in the middle of the field, while defensively we are much more solid.

"Eddie's adapting to the players very well and getting an understanding of where his team-mates want the ball to be played and where he wants the ball.

"He has a lot of ability and the willingness to learn."

Fulham still have matches against fellow strugglers Newcastle, Derby, Sunderland, Reading and Birmingham to come, but McBride needs no reminding that Everton lie fifth and are pushing for a Champions League spot.

"I don't think there's ever a good time to play Everton. David (Moyes) always has his team focused and they're a group of very good players.

"But we've got to make sure we don't focus too much on them and we all do our job. Hopefully it will turn out all right."

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