Source: Telegraph
Roma v Fulham: Clint Dempsey relishing chance to play on stage of his heroes
The Fulham winger, who was on the bench when Roma stole a draw at Craven Cottage a fortnight ago, is set to start as Roy Hodgson's team look for the win that would put them in a strong position in Group E of the Europa League. [LNB]'I remember growing up watching players like Baggio and Schillaci while Italy were the World Cup winners,' said the American. [LNB] Related ArticlesHodgson rallies Fulham for Roma battlePrecautions taken for Fulham fans in RomeMikel Arteta's new injury blowMichael Johnson earns England U21 recallAndrea Pirlo praises AC Milan's spiritPatrice Evra: Chelsea are ultimate test'You always want to play in big games but you always need to see the bigger picture, so I have to accept not starting the game at Fulham. [LNB]'I felt we were unfortunate conceding a goal in the last minute but we won a point. [LNB]'We are on a good run of form, a six game run with positive results.' [LNB]Dempsey admitted it was difficult to juggle the demands of the Premier League with the pressures of Europe. [LNB]'It's a little bit difficult but I think we do a good job with our recovery and everybody does what they can to be fit for the games. It's something you have to get used to.[LNB]'The spirit is good, everybody is chipping in with goals and everybody is working hard. The main focus is the league but you don't work so hard not to go as far as you can in the competition. [LNB]'Games like this are great wherever you are from; I'm just enjoying my football and enjoying playing for Fulham.' [LNB]Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, meanwhile admitted that Andrew Johnson and Danny Murphy were unlikely to be fit to face Wigan at the weekend because of injuries but that Damien Duff, also absent, had a chance ahead of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off ties against France beginning a week on Saturday. [LNB]'We are monitoring Damien and are hoping he will be OK for the weekend, Johnson is getting better, he is improving, but we don't want to try and test him out and push him back again.' [LNB]
