If Fulham fans were wondering where the FA Cup stood in Silva's list of priorities this season, that question was answered emphatically with his starting line-up.

After a run of three consecutive league defeats, the Portuguese opted to make 10 changes.

The move almost backfired as the home side could - and probably should - have been two goals ahead before Kevin and Reed turned the game on its head.

But Fulham's progression to the fifth round should now be cue for Silva to take the competition more seriously, especially with their league form.

A bright start had them flirting with a potential push for Europe, but the recent poor run has dropped them down to 12th and anxiously looking over their shoulders at the sides below them fighting relegation.

With the winners of the FA Cup earning a place in next season's Europa League qualifying rounds, the competition could offer Silva and his side a chance to finish the campaign on a high.