MARTON Fulop believes that Saturday was the day when his countryman, Tamas Priskin, finally won over the Portman Road faithful.

MARTON Fulop believes that Saturday was the day when his countryman, Tamas Priskin, finally won over the Portman Road faithful.

In keeper Fulop’s eyes, his Hungarian international team-mate was man-of-the-match for his role in the 2-0 win over Millwall.

And Priskin was given a big ovation by home fans, when he was substituted after 66 minutes, having had a big part to play in both of Town’s goals.

“I always knew that Tamas has great potential. The fans really took onto him today,” explained Fulop.

“That gives him that bit of confidence to dare to do things. He played without any pressure, and for me he was the man-of-the-match.

“Of course our defenders were unbelievable for us, but for the first goal Tamas kept the ball well and set up Carlos (Edwards) to cross, and he also made the penalty.

“So Tamas made the difference today. I think the crowd are warming to him,” added Fulop.

Priskin, a �1.7m arrival from Watford in August of last year, endured a torrid first season at Portman Road.

He managed just two goals, one in the league and one in the Carling Cup, and ended the campaign on loan at QPR.

But the 24-year-old has hit the ground running this season. He has bagged four goals, and has certainly benefited from the presence of fellow Hungarian Fulop, who was signed from Sunderland three months ago.

“Tamas likes an arm around his shoulder,” continued Fulop.

“We get on really well and talk a lot. I hope he will keep giving assists and scoring goals.

“He is one of my best friends. I was speaking with him a lot last year as well, and it was a bit tough for him last season when the team was not doing so well.

“When you come to a new club you need a bit of time to warm to the club.

“I feel at home already, but for me it was much easier because I had Tamas here already, and I knew Grant Leadbitter and Carlos Edwards (from Sunderland).

“When Tamas first came here, he didn’t know anybody.”

Fulop was understandably delighted to chalk up his fourth clean-sheet of the season, especially as it was long over-due. It was his first for six weeks.

And the 27-year-old was quick to pay tribute to the four-man defence ahead of him, especially the goal-line clearances from Tommy Smith and Gareth McAuley towards the end of the match.

“In a matter of 20 seconds, Tommy and Gaz (Gareth) showed their determination,” admitted Fulop.

“I had a bit of luck and I’m happy with the overall performance, especially the defence.

“I thought we cut out the mistakes at the back. The problem recently has been that we’ve been going down two goals too easily in games, in the first half of games.

“But now we’re not just a second half team, we’re a 90-minute team, and that’s positive.”