Roy Hodgson hails keeper Mark Schwarzer

Fulham may have one of the poorest away records in the top flight - no wins and just four points - but they are no longer a soft touch on the road according to Roy Hodgson.

The Fulham manager reckons keeper Mark Schwarzer has had a lot to do with that as the Australian proved again in the 0-0 draw at Stoke.

Hodgson said: "Our defence is getting stronger with every game, but we also have Mark, who is a dominant character and gives the defenders confidence. When balls are thrown high and wildly into our penalty box they know he is going to come and get them."

Hodgson's biggest problem is in attack where Andy Johnson struggled on Saturday in the absence of Bobby Zamora.

He added: "It's frustrating to play as well as we did and not quite deliver that cross or final pass," he said.

"I think it is one defeat in 10 now - and that was an 88th-minute goal at Everton.

"I think that is an excellent record and we have got to be very proud of it and keep building on it.