TOM Cairney admitted his delight at firing high-flying Fulham to a last-gasp victory at Blackburn Rovers was tinged with sadness at piling the woe on his former club.

Cairney was making his second return to Ewood Park after he was sold out of the blue to Championship rivals Fulham in June of last year.

The midfielder’s first game back on his old stamping ground ended in disappointment as Rovers, then managed by Paul Lambert, romped to a 3-0 success in February.

But Cairney was celebrating on Saturday after his injury-time winner ensured the unbeaten Cottagers will go into the international break second in the standings.

In contrast Rovers, now managed by Owen Coyle, will resume their Championship campaign at Fulham’s West London rivals QPR on Saturday week bottom and three points adrift of safety.

“It was bittersweet,” said Cairney, who won the player of the year and goal of the season awards during his two years at Ewood.

“I had a great two years here and I’m thankful for everything Blackburn gave to me.

“I had a great time, we had a good team, but things change, people move on.

“It’s not really the same team that I played in but I do still have a lot of respect and love for the club. It was bittersweet.”

It was Cairney’s second goal of the season and his 10th for the club, surpassing the nine he scored in Rovers colours, and he admitted he knew it was in as soon as it left his foot.

The 25-year-old, who took over the Fulham captaincy after Scott Parker was substituted, said: “The ball just fell to me like I had placed it there myself.

“It was perfect and as soon as I hit I knew it was in.”

Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic believes Cairney can make the step back up to the top flight having started his career there with Hull City.

Jokanovic said: “They’re some very strong words but Tom Cairney can be a Premier League player. His quality, he’s clinical.

“He’s a player who doesn’t lose passes. He normally completes around 90 per cent.

“He’s a very important part of our squad and I like this player.”