The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Scottish midfielder urges Fulham to seize their opportunity in play-off
Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald has told his team-mates to seize the opportunity of becoming Premier League players.
The Cottagers have the chance to end a four-year absence from the top division when they take on Aston Villa in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley today.
Victory could be crucial in keeping some of their highly-rated stars, with teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon and captain Tom Cairney linked with summer moves away from the club, while the possibility of signing loan striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is also likely to be dependent on winning promotion.
But McDonald wants the whole squad to get the chance to play in the big time next season.
“Every player wants to play in the Premier League, every player wants to play at the highest level,” said the Carnoustie-born player.
“Some of the players, if it doesn’t happen, will have the chance next year to play with a Premier League team, some of them won’t. But as a team we’ve got a chance now for every one of us to go up to the Premier League.
“We’ve got a big, big chance, with the players we’ve got in this team, we know we’ve got what it takes, it’s a matter of how much we want it.
“How much we want to show our personality on Saturday, put all that occasion stuff behind us.
“Just go out, give our all and see where it takes us.”
Meanwhile, Villa are to open contract talks with Scottish defender Alan Hutton, regardless of what division they will be playing in next season.
Hutton has played a key role in the promotion challenge this campaign, with boss Steve Bruce describing him as a “manager’s delight”.
The 34-year-old is out of contract in the summer but is in line to be rewarded with a new deal.
“I think I’ve picked Alan Hutton more than anybody else,” said the Villa boss.
“He is everything that I enjoy in a player. He gives you everything he’s got.”