Fulham veteran Mark Schwarzer has been heralded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and Australia’s greatest offering to the game here by his manager Roy Hodgson following the club’s win over West Bromwich Albion.
Hodgson saw Schwarzer save a late penalty, from Albion’s Roman Bednar, in the 2-0 Craven Cottage win that lifted the Londoners into eighth spot.
“He made two good saves, one just before the penalty and then a good save from the penalty. I’m really pleased with him because Mark Schwarzer is the consummate professional,” said Hodgson, delighted to see his side bounce back from the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
“Against Manchester United he blamed himself for the first two goals, feeling he could do better. It was really nice for him to come back against West Brom and really pay the debt he feels he owes, not that we feel he owes a debt.
He’s been fantastic all season and that’s the mark of the man,” added Hodgson. “He takes it seriously, and if he makes a mistake he takes it on his own shoulders, he doesn’t blame anybody else, he stands up and next day he produces a match-winning performance.
“If he was English and I was something to do with the English team he’d be very high up in the pecking order. If it was someone else, who can say, but I suppose what one could say is that he has done fantastically well in English football.
“He’s carved himself a reputation in the game here which will make him one of the most appreciated Australian footballers ever to play in this country. I think everyone recognises him as a top English-based goalkeeper.”
Hodgson now turns his attention to tomorrow’s FA Cup replay, against Championship side Swansea City and, having had just 48 hours between games, he may consider making changes.
