Marco Silva has hailed the growing importance of Sasa Lukic in Fulham’s midfield.

Silva also revealed the club were tracking the Serbia international for an extended period before signing the him from Torino last January.

Although Lukic was one of three players hooked after 33 minutes in Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest, his game-time has steadily increased throughout this season and he could return to the team against Newcastle.

“We tried to anticipate his move to Fulham [before] last January”, Silva said.

“We were following him, and it was a good moment to sign him, to give him the time to adapt.

“Last season he had some moments but was not regular in the team.

“He was probably our best player during pre-season, playing as a No6. He’s a fantastic guy to work with. He’s had enough patience to wait for his moment, and now he’s playing really well.”

Fulham are not understood to have any immediate injury concerns ahead of hosting eighth-place Newcastle at Craven Cottage.

“There’s nothing to hide, and there’s nothing good to say about the game”, goalkeeper Bernd Leno said after the Forest defeat.

“We just have to focus on the next game and improve many things.”