Cottagers can flourish: Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic is sure Fulham will flourish in the Premier League next season – with or without him.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s swashbuckling side ended their four year top-flight absence by digging deep to beat Aston Villa and win Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Fulham defender Denis Odoi’s sending off brought a nervy ending to proceedings but captain Tom Cairney’s goal proved enough in a 1-0 win that will live long in the memory.

Promotion surely makes the immediate future of the likes of Cairney, Ryan Sessegnon and Ryan Fredericks more secure, while putting the west Londoners – captained by former Dundee midfielder Kevin McDonald – in a stronger position to tie up on-loan stars.

Mitrovic is among those and has shone brightly in attack since his deadline day loan move from Newcastle in January, becoming an influential and popular figure at Craven Cottage.

“I don’t know,” the Serbia striker said of his future. “Of course I am really happy here.

“I had the best three and a half, four months of my career. We will see what happens.

“I am still a Newcastle United player, I have two years left on my contract, so we will see.

“I want to enjoy now. I have one day to rest and then I have to work hard, and I will focus on that.”

Mitrovic grinned as he reflected on a “really unbelievable” triumph and believes Jokanovic’s side are set up to thrive in the top division.

“Of course Fulham will be successful in the Premier League for sure,” he said. “I am delighted with the style we play, the players, with the staff. Every part.”