Fulham manager Roy Hodgson admits Premier League survival has to be his priority ahead of his side’s cup clash with Bristol Rovers.

Hodgson has inherited a Fulham side second-from-bottom of the league with just 15 points from 21 matches and facing an almighty scrap to avoid the “horror” of relegation.

Just five points separate six teams in the congested lower reaches of the table.

The well-travelled Hodgson is relishing a return to hands-on coaching – the players were put through a double training session yesterday – and he insists Fulham can escape the drop.

“It’s a massive job but the fact is I wouldn’t have taken on the job if I didn’t think I had the ability and the confidence to do it,” said Hodgson.

“We fully understand that our most important task in the next four months is to try and maintain our Premier League status.

“I view with horror the scenario where we don’t succeed and keep the club in the Premier League but at the moment I have no reason to fear that.”