Roy Hodgson

As well as celebrating a last-day escape from relegation to the Championship, Roy Hodgson's Fulham side could be facing further cause for celebration with possible qualification for next season's Uefa Cup.

Fulham, whose 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park ensured another season of Premier League football for the West London club, could be rewarded for their performance in the European Fair Play League.

With England securing an extra Uefa Cup spot due to their position in this table, Fulham have a good chance of benefiting with an invitation into the competition as they chased Manchester City to the title of the "fairest" team not to have already qualified for Europe.

After City lost 8-1 yesterday to Middlesbrough, in a game which saw club captain Richard Dunne shown a straight red card in the 14th minute, Fulham have a good chance of overtaking Sven-Goran Eriksson's side as the Craven Cottage side received no bookings at Portsmouth.

A Fulham spokesman said: "It is certainly a possibility that we could be playing in the Uefa Cup.

"It is a complicated situation in which administration efficiency is also taken into consideration as well as on-field behaviour but we know we are in a good position and expect to have confirmation from the Premier League early next week.

"For now, we have enough to celebrate over staying up but this could be another bonus, although we can't say more at this stage until all the documentation is in."

Because standings in the Fair Play table are based on several criteria, as well as yellow and red cards, it is not possible to predict which team will come out on top.

An announcement is expected tomorrow when Roy Hodgson' side - and their supporters - coule be rewarded with the added bonus of playing European football next year.