Fulham boss Martin Jol denies reports of a rift with John Arne Riise

Fulham boss Martin Jol has denied reports of a bust-up with John Arne Riise - but says the Norwegian is free to leave this month if he is unhappy in west London.

Recent reports claimed that Riise, 32, was set to leave Craven Cottage after reacting angrily to being omitted from the first-team in recent weeks.

The former Liverpool man, who started 35 league games last season, has not featured for Fulham since the 1-1 draw with Southampton on Boxing Day and was an unused substitute in subsequent fixtures against Swansea City, Wigan and Blackpool.

However, Jol insists his relationship with the full-back is good and says he should fight for his place at the club.

He said: "My relationship was fantastic and is probably still OK. It's the same all the time in England. I never had a bust-up, I had a conversation.

"There's no problem, I just wanted to change things. He wants to fight for his place like any player."