Sakari Mattila reckons he has been handed a lease of life under new Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic.
The Finnish midfielder made his first Championship start in white at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday six months after he joined – and wants more.
Since he signed from Norwegian club Aalesunds FK in the summer, the 26-year-old has been restricted to just four sub appearances before last weekend.
Now it’s his turn after waiting patiently in the wings, so he hopes.
Mattila said: “I knew when I came to England I had to wait my chance. There’s been many months I’ve had to wait to get a start in the Championship, against Sheffield was first game and I’m pleased for a fresh start.”
Wednesday got the better of the first encounter at the Cottage to edge home 1-0.
But Mattila thinks Fulham have a chance to rectify that at Hillsborough in the FA Cup as the clubs meet twice in seven days.
“The second round of two? Not exactly,” he said.
“It’s away and it’s going to be tough. But on Saturday, I think it was the first game it felt where everybody was fighting for their lives, for the first and second balls.
“There have been lots of changes at Fulham, but it’s more stable now.
“He (Jokanovic) has proven he is a winner, and we need to suck everything out of him.
“If we take it one game at a time when the pieces come together we will go up the table.”
