Fulham's January transfer window signing Konstantinos Mitroglou scored two goals for the Under-21s against Aston Villa Under-21s as he steps up his fitness ahead of a first-team debut.
The Greece international was signed from Olympiakos on deadline day in a deal worth around £11 million with Rene Meulensteen keen to strengthen his struggling squad.
But Mitroglou arrived at Craven Cottage with a knee injury and missed the defeat to Southampton and draw with Manchester United in the Premier League.
The striker will not be involved against Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, but proved he is well on the way to a recovery with a goal from 18 yards inside the opening 20 minutes at Bodymoor Heath.
And Mitroglou had a second just a few minutes later, beating Villa goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist from long range.
The Greek might have had a hat-trick but was denied by the woodwork in the second half, with the game eventually finishing 5-3 to Fulham.
Mitroglou could now be in the frame to feature against West Brom on February 22, with Fulham sitting bottom of the Premier League and four points from safety ahead of the visit of Liverpool.
Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen said: "It was a bit of a knee niggle that's kept him out and left him to play 45 mintues and 65 minutes.
"We are still working very hard to get him up to speed for the Premier League. "It's important we time that right for us and for him. He's progressing every day."
Cauley Woodrow also bagged a brace in the Under-21s' victory, while young keeper Marek Rodak scored a freak fifth when his long clearance ended up in the Villa net.