Martin contract will help Fulham – Jokanovic

Slavisa Jokanovic believes Fulham can reap the benefits of on-loan striker Chris Martin’s new contract with Derby County.

Martin, who is on a season-long loan from the Rams, was left out of the Whites’ squad earlier this month after announcing that he wanted to return to his parent club.

The Scotland forward has now signed a new deal with Derby – but he started for Fulham on Sunday and scored the second goal in their 4-1 FA Cup thrashing of Hull.

Jokanovic confirmed that, while Fulham retain an option to sign Martin on a permanent deal in the summer, he could also feature for Derby if they reach the play-offs and the Whites miss out.

The Fulham boss said: “My job is to do the best for Fulham and today I believed the best option in this position was to use Chris Martin.

“His situation is fantastic. He signed a new contract, which is great news for him and his family. I don’t know, it’s probably his highest contract.

“This situation doesn’t change anything, it helps us. He will stay and he showed commitment and loyalty to this club.

“He’s going to be in better condition and available to help Derby at the beginning of August.

“If they want to use him, I have to send him back at the end of the season.

“Or if Derby finish in the top six and we don’t finish in the top six, he is going to be ready in the second week of May.”

Former Hull forward Sone Aluko put Fulham ahead against his former club and, after Goebel Evandro headed an equaliser early in the second half, Martin restored the home side’s lead almost immediately.

Further goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Stefan Johansen sealed the Whites’ place in the fifth round, with Marcus Bettinelli saving two late penalties from Abel Hernandez.

Jokanovic added: “We have to be satisfied. We tested ourselves against a Premier League team and we are in the next round.

“We moved the ball well and I believe we deserved this victory.”