Marco Silva urges Fulham to maintain ‘high standards’ for remaining games

Marco Silva insists Fulham have to stay focused on finishing off their promotion charge after watching his team take another big step towards the Premier League.

Aleksandar Mitrovic’s 38th goal of a fantastic season was enough to lift the Cottagers 17 points clear of the play-off zone as they secured a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough.

And if Nottingham Forest lose at home to Birmingham on Saturday, Fulham will be up if they beat Coventry at Craven Cottage the following day.

But Silva, whose side have now won 12 of their last 16 league matches since the turn of the year, wants to remain calm and concentrate on the days ahead.

He said: “In four days we had a derby in London at QPR and away in Boro. We have six points, two clean sheets, and the feeling is really good.

“Our standards are high. I have told them we have to celebrate this win and smile because we achieved a massive result here with the heart and organisation needed. The Championship is like this.

“The feeling, the environment inside the dressing room, is really good but we know we want to celebrate more in the weeks ahead. This is a massive step towards what we want.

“I don’t like to talk about ifs, I prefer to keep working hard and win matches until the moment comes.

“We will do our best to achieve it. We will fight for it and fight to be champion. Now is not the moment to talk about it.

“I am pleased for Mitro, not just because he scored so many goals but the way he is working. 38 goals is an amazing number but I’m sure he will score more because we keep creating chances for him. He is playing well and we will score goals.

“Knowing the quality Boro have, I knew it would probably be the toughest game we have this season. Boro are strong at home, there is always a