Marco Silva spells out his promotion plan at Fulham after emphatic win

Marco Silva mapped out his vision for "success" at Fulham this term after an impressive 4-1 win at Birmingham to go top in style.

Silva's men were ruthless at St Andrews where Denis Odoi headed the visitors into an early lead before Serbian hitman Aleksandar Mitrovic struck from the spot.

Brum sent on new signing Troy Deeney early in the second half but Fulham sealed victory when Harry Wilson ran clear to net his third this season in a deadly display for the promotion hopefuls.

Mitrovic, who turned 27 on Thursday, slotted in late on to take his tally for the season to six before Deeney's consolation penalty.

Cottagers boss Silva said: "We knew we must be brave against them.

Harry Wilson scored Fulham's third of the night against Birmingham City

"We were solid and scored four goals away from home with more chances to score.

"It is a good sign and a good win. We are creating something really strong in the dressing room.

"It will be a big marathon for us and a big fight until the end but together we can be a success."

Mitrovic and Wilson were a huge threat upfront for the visitors.

Silva added: "Mitrovic is an important player for us - the way we use him to link our play and to break the pressure.

"He has the ability to score goals and he is happy and working hard. And Harry Wilson, I asked our board to sign him, It was the first player I spoke about."

Wilson, the new £12million summer signing from Liverpool, swung over a corner which Odoi leapt to head in at the near post after a well-time run in the 10th minute.

Birmingham complained Odoi's marker Jeremie Bela was blocked off by Nathaniel Chalobah in the build up.

Chalobah was heavily involved at the other end when his superb turn was halted by Ivan Sunjic and Harlee Dean.

Mitrovic bagged two as Fulham went to the top of the Championship

Mitrovic took the resulting spot kick and buried an emphatic right-foot finish low into the net in the 44th minute.

After the break Wilson ran on to Chalobah's clever first time pass to score with a composed low left foot finish in the 54th minute for his third this term.

Mitrovic then grabbed his second in the 83rd minute after a mistake by Marc Roberts.

Deeney, a boyhood Birmingham fan, pulled a goal back from the spot with a fierce right-foot penalty after being fouled by Odoi.

Home boss Lee Bowyer said: "The lads kept going and we didn't roll over, it could have been 4-4 but they had a little bit of difference and quality. We lost 4-1 at home but got clapped off."