Ex-Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic lifted ahead of Fulham's relegation run-in

The Fulham striker came off the bench and scored twice for Serbia in their 3-2 win over Republic of Ireland in Belgrade last night. Newcastle United s Ciaran Clark, beaten by Mitrovic for Serbia’s second goal, started the game, while midfielder Jeff Hendrick, the defender’s club-mate, came off the bench.

Mitrovic had last scored for his country on October 14 – and he hasn’t netted in the Premier League since September 19.

The 26-year-old, sold by Newcastle to Fulham for £22million in the summer of 2018, has found starts hard to come by this season. Fulham manager Scott Parker, also a former United player, has preferred ex-Sunderland striker Josh Maja up front since his February 1 arrival.

Mitrovic’s third-bottom club are two points behind 17th-placed Newcastle, who have a game in hand. The two clubs meet in a potentially decisive final final fixture at Craven Cottage on May 23.