Source: Team_Talk
Hodgson proud of Euro achievements
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has claimed the Premier League's top four would be proud of the Cottagers' Europa League achievements this season.[LNB] Despite a 17-hour bus journey, Fulham managed to grind out a 0-0 draw in their semi-final first-leg clash with Hamburg on Thursday night, adding another impressive result to a what was already a decent sequence in the competition.[LNB]Hodgson's men have already beaten German champions Wolfsburg home and away, avoided defeat in Donetsk after beating Shakhtar at Craven Cottage and completed that incredible recovery against Juventus.[LNB]For clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United it would be a pretty decent effort. For Fulham it is bordering on the miraculous.[LNB]"These are very good results - they would be good results for the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal so for Fulham they are exceptional," said Hodgson, whose own stock is rising by the week.[LNB]That said, the Fulham chief may raise a few eyebrows at Premier League HQ over his team selection at Everton on Sunday.[LNB]With nothing except place money to play for, Hodgson is certain to look at resting key men at Goodison Park in an attempt to keep them fresh for one of the biggest nights in the club's history when they host Hamburg on Thursday.[LNB]Star striker Bobby Zamora has already been ruled out with a sore Achilles and Danny Murphy can expect a rest given his importance in the central midfield engine room.[LNB]Fulham have already found themselves at the centre of one selection storm this season, after they lost at Hull last month, although given the circumstances, Murphy feels it would be harsh if it happened again.[LNB]"I am sure we'll be criticised whatever we do at the weekend," Murphy said. "But there has to be some more understanding.[LNB]"If you are not allowed to rotate the squad in a situation like this, when are you?[LNB]"Nobody could have foreseen this situation, with the volcano and stuff but even if that wasn't the case, to be playing the two biggest games in the club's history within seven days and have a Premier League game in between is exceptionally hard.[LNB]"We have got where we are with rotation.[LNB]"Everyone knows there are certain players who are automatic choices but the ones in the background aren't young kids, they are experienced international players."
