Japanese international midfielder Junichi Inamoto believes his wonder goal against Manchester United last week can help little Fulham stay alive amongst the giants of the Premiership.

Inamoto, who has been in and out of the Londoners' side, scored a fine goal as Fulham defeated the champions at Old Trafford but his only regret is that the booking he picked up will rule him out of Sunday's home match against Liverpool.

"I still can't believe it really," said Inamoto.

"It was my first game at Old Trafford, in fact I've never played Man Utd before, so playing there and scoring a goal made me very happy.

"Playing in front of 67,000 people was very special, and Man Utd are very famous all over the world, and they're probably the most popular team in Japan. I think that would have been very big news in Japan.

"All my life I've wanted to play in big games like this one at Old Trafford -it was a great experience and meant a lot to me."

Inamoto struggled for a first team place under former coach Jean Tigana last year, but has played a part in every match for the Cottagers this time round under new manager Chris Coleman.

However, that run will end Sunday due to the yellow card he received for a foul on Eric Djemba-Djemba at Old Trafford.

"I don't understand what's been going on," he told the official Fulham website.

"I think there has been some

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strange refereeing. Against Man Utd I picked up a yellow card for a very slight tug on Djemba-Djemba's shirt -it's something that happens in every match by every player, and it was the first thing I'd done wrong.

"I think I've been very unlucky. I'm not a dirty player - all my cards have been soft ones. Perhaps the referees notice me more - or perhaps they just don't like me!

"I'm suspended for the Liverpool game, and that's disappointing. It's a big game. We beat them at Loftus Road last season and it's a pity to be out when things are going well."

Despite his absence from the match, Inamoto believes that Fulham can hang onto their fifth spot in the table.

"It's very exciting at the moment," he said.

"We have a lot of good players, we're full of confidence and we've got our tactics right, so there's no reason why this good run shouldn't continue."