Mark Schwarzer says his unstinting confidence in his ability to continue to perform at the highest level comes from admiring the longevity of Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
The American, now 40, will line up against Schwarzer’s Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow afternoon and the Australian international, a year his junior, has drawn inspiration from Friedel’s consistent displays:
Brad has been a fantastic goalkeeper. When I look at people like him and Edwin van der Sar playing at that top level at 40 it gives me inspiration. I want to keep playing as long as I am playing well and enjoying it.
Schwarzer, who like a number of Fulham’s players credits the club’s sports science department for improving his fitness, feels Fulham can match Spurs tomorrow:
Spurs have some fantastic players and want to finish in the top four. We just have to try to do our job and hope they have a slightly off day and we can capitalise on it.
The Observer carries quotes from the Fulham goalkeeper backing new manager Martin Jol:
He’s still finding his feet as all managers do when they come to a club. But the players have adapted well and I think all the players are happy with the way things are going. We know that consistency is around the corner and we need to improve on that a little bit, but some of the performances have been very encouraging.
