Fulham FC

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Bullard boost for Hodgson

23 Jan 2008 - 08:29:24

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Fulham boss Roy Hodgson focused on the return to action of long-term injury victim Jimmy Bullard after seeing his side dumped out of the FA Cup by Bristol Rovers on penalties.

Midfielder Bullard made his first start since September 2006 against the Pirates and lasted the entire 120 minutes, although his night was spoiled by him missing in the shootout as Rovers won through 5-3.

Afterwards, Hodgson said: "Jimmy Bullard's performance was an enormous comfort.

"To play as well as he did after 14 months out in such a difficult game was a big comfort and the determination and aggression we showed to match Bristol Rovers was also a positive.

"I was surprised Jimmy lasted so long. We had Steve Davis on the bench and foremost in my mind was that at some stage in the game I would have to take Jimmy off, but he was doing so well poor Steve never got a chance to come on.

"And I don't put his penalty miss down to tiredness - it was a good save. Their penalties were outstandingly good too.

"We only missed the one but never got a chance to get back in it."