Mit’s Scott what it takes
SCOTT PARKER is refusing to give up hope that Aleksandar Mitrovic will shine for Fulham this season.
The £22million Serbian star has endured a tricky return to the English elite with the London strugglers.
Four goals in only 17 appearances highlights how far Mitrovic, who was top scorer in Fulham’s successful promotion campaign out of the Championship, has fallen off the pace.
But Parker remains adamant that the ex-Newcastle forward, 26, will rediscover his touch in time to boost the club’s scrap for top-flight survival.
And the Fulham manager plans to give
Mitrovic another shot to prove he should be the leading the line every week in today’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against relegation rivals Burnley.
Parker said: “Yes, it’s a big, big opportunity for Mitro. He had 10 minutes against Manchester United on Wednesday night and now there’s one to start against Burnley or against Brighton in the next week.
“They’re all big opportunities. Mitro would be the first to say that this season’s probably not taken off as he would have liked.
“That’s not just Mitro – there’s a few probably in that bracket.
“You need to have a single focus and that focus is hard work, keep working on your craft, keep understanding, keep learning.
“It always turns but that only happens with those foundations.
“He’s disappointed but I also know he has a big part to play.
“I’ve seen that hard graft from him on a daily basis. Quality always shines through and I know it will with his outlook.”