Marco Silva urges Fulham to take it 'step by step' in bid for FA Cup 'dream' | OneFootball

Crystal Palace visit in quarter-finals will be Portuguese’s 500th game in management as he bids to book Wembley spot

Marco Silva said Fulham will "take it step by step" as they look to achieve a "dream" of silverware in the FA Cup.

It has been 50 years since the Cottagers last reached a major domestic final and victory in their quarter-final meeting with Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage will confirm their spot at Wembley in a last-four clash.

They face a Palace side who claimed a 2-0 win when the teams met in west London last month.

"Our fans weren't able to see Fulham in a (domestic) final and it will be a dream for them. We love them to dream, it's a small coincidence with it being 50 years," Silva said.

"Let's take it step by step, we need to be strong in the quarter-finals.

"It sounds good because it shows the progress (the prospect of a Wembley visit). It's not a coincidence that in my first season we achieved a quarter-final, last season we achieved a semi-final in the Carabao Cup and this season we are in the quarter-finals in the FA Cup.

"It's a privilege for us and the club to be in these decisive games which can help the club take the next steps."

Palace will have striker Jean-Philippe Mateta available following his recovery from a serious ear injury sustained at Millwall in the last round.

The Frenchman has scored 15 goals in all competitions for the Eagles this season, and Silva added: "I'm not saying it's bad news (Mateta being available).

"We have to be strong against the stronger sides and if you want to be in the semi-finals then you will play against the strongest possible Palace sides.

"If we had our players ready we will be stronger, same as Palace. But yes, they are stronger with Mateta."

Saturday's match will mark Silva's 500th game in management.

"It's been a long journey, a special one, because I feel well in what I've been doing," he said.

"We aim high, we have ambition, I'm proud of what I've been doing. I want more and there's better things to come as well."