Mark Schwarzer gives hit men some credit

Mark Schwarzer has defended Fulham's goal-shy strikers ahead of tomorrow's Premier League clash at home to Stoke City.

Between them, Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson have scored just nine League goals this season and that is the principle reason why only four other teams have netted less than Fulham's total tally of 33 goals.

Schwarzer said: "The biggest criticism we've received this year is that we haven't scored enough goals.

"But to be fair, the guys up front have worked hard. Bobby and Andy have contributed immensely to us being so strong defensively. That does, at times, take away opportunities to push forward and score goals."

With the impressive Schwarzer keeping goal behind a consistently solid defence, Fulham have managed 13 clean sheets this term. That has propelled Roy Hodgson's side into contention for a place in Europe.

Defender John Pantsil said: "We've only got a few games left and we want to be in an even better position."