Scott Parker has explained his decision to leave Aleksandar Mitrovic on the bench for Fulham’s play-off final with Brentford.
The ex-Newcastle United forward missed his side’s semi-final win over Cardiff City with a hamstring injury.
Although Mitrovic, who won the Championship Golden Boot with 26 goals, has returned to his squad for the game at Wembley he will start on the bench.
And speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Parker explained the thinking behind his decision.
He said: “He has had two days of training and looked very good and well but I have had to make a decision tonight on how I see the game going.
“The game could go longer than the 90 minutes and that is what we are in.
“I have had to make a decision and the decision I have made it to obviously put him on the bench.
“That is where we are at this moment in time. Hopefully he is not needed, but if he is needed tonight he is ready and available.”
Before Parker added on his side’s two changes: “Just tactically really. I have picked a team tonight that I feel is best equipped to cause Brentford problems.
“I have picked a team for us to go and to try and win the game really.”
