Fulham FC

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• Manager:Mark Hughes

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Roy admits Euro difficulties

05 Feb 2010 - 14:06:14

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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson doesn't believe his inconsistent side are on course to return to European competition next season.

The Cottagers take on holders Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine in the last 32 of the Europa League in two weeks' time.

Hodgson's side secured their place in Europe after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season.

However, the season the Cottagers are currently 10th in the table after they ended a five-game losing run with a 1-0 success over rock-bottom Portsmouth in midweek.

"I don't think we're looking at Europe this year. I think we dropped too many points in January," admitted Hodgson.

"The teams that are going to be European this year, which is only the top six, they're already 10-12 points ahead of us.

"And furthermore, I think it's unrealistic. Had there been no injuries - had (Andy) Johnson, (Clint) Dempsey, (John) Pantsil, (Paul) Konchesky, (Simon) Davies, (Zoltan) Gera been fit all the time - then maybe we wouldn't have lost many games in January and maybe would have had a few more points.

"But we didn't, we had to battle through January as we did with a really wounded team and as a result, I think we've slipped too far away from the top six.

"Our chance of getting into Europe will be to win a cup competition."