Norwich City boss Neil Adams is urging Ricky van Wolfswinkel to keep believing he can help the Canaries complete a Premier League great escape after a 1-0 loss at Fulham dragged them deeper into relegation trouble.

The club record signing was denied a first goal since his debut day header against Everton by David Stockdale's stunning reaction stop at Craven Cottage. Stockdale also clawed out Leroy Fer's close range header before Robert Snodgrass struck the woodwork in a vibrant opening, until Hugo Rodallega pounced to inflict a seventh straight away league defeat on the Canaries.

Norwich remain two points clear of the third-from-bottom Cottagers ahead of a tough run-in against three of the top five plus a trip to Manchester United.

New boss Adams is convinced van Wolfswinkel can deliver after suffering a defeat in his first match since replacing Chris Hughton.

'Ricky needs a goal. He scored in the first game of the season, he came with a hefty price tag and he works his socks off. He gives you everything you want from a centre forward but they are paid to get goals and he knows that,' said Adams. 'It has been very tough for him but he keeps believing and he is still getting in the right positions.

'He did everything right on that chance. He got good contact, he was in the right spot and the keeper has just made a great save. That is your luck when you have not scored all season. Nine times out of ten that goes in. I couldn't believe the save when I saw it on the replay and it is good keeping. Ricky is the unlucky one.'

Adams felt City would have ended their winless run at Craven Cottage dating back to 1986 if the visitors had made the breakthrough in a positive first-half spell.

'If we had got the goal we wanted I think we would have been talking about a different story and no-one would have denied us that,' he said. 'If Stockdale does not pull off an unbelievable save we go 1-0 up and we are confident we can get a second and maybe win it comfortably. They go and nick one before half-time and then look to make it difficult for you.'