Fulham boss Mark Hughes claimed his side’s emphatic 4-0 FA Cup fourth round victory over EPL high-flyers Tottenham had “been coming”, as Fulham’s recent improvements have continued over the past fortnight.

The Cottagers moved up to 12^th place in the EPL when they followed-up their FA Cup triumph with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Newcastle this week.

And Hughes acknowledged his side’s improvement, praising the influence of senior players such as Danny Murphy, who signed a contract extension at the weekend keeping him at Fulham until 2012 .

Hughes said; “I think it’s been coming, especially against Spurs. And we’re pleased Danny is staying. He is a big influence on the pitch, a good captain and a good leader.”

Fulham’s only loss since their New Year’s Day defeat at Tottenham has been an unfortunate 1-0 reverse at Liverpool, courtesy of an own goal from Ghanaian defender John Pantsil.

Their revenge over Spurs sets up an FA Cup fifth round tie at home to the winners of the Bolton v Wigan replay.

Hughes added firepower to his squad during the January transfer window with the loan captures of Gael Kakuta from Chelsea and Eidur Gudjohnsen from Stoke. Kakuta made his Cottagers debut against Newcastle.

Both players will be at Craven Cottage until the end of the season. 26-year-old United States international striker Eddie Johnson has made a similar move out of the club, joining Championship strugglers Preston North End.

Fulham visit Aston Villa, another improving side, in the EPL this coming Saturday.