Schwarzer up despite lack of downtime

16 July 2009 07:46
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says his preparation for the season ahead will not be harmed by not having had a proper break over the summer. In between Schwarzer's national commitments with Australia's successful World Cup qualifying campaign and the Cottagers' pre-season tour of his homeland, Schwarzer has had little scope for time off. The 36-year-old was in action again on Wednesday, playing the first half of Fulham's convincing 5-0 win over the Perth Glory, the club's third match on their Australian tour. But despite facing more matches this campaign as the Cottagers play in both the Barclays Premier League and Europa League, Schwarzer, Fulham's player of the season in 2008/9, is not concerned about his lack of rest. "I've had little bits and pieces, here and there," he said. "I feel really good and it's been nice to have a bit of time off and I'm going to have a little bit more time off now before I go back to the UK. "I'll be back early next week and be ready to go and I'm excited about it. I was excited about this tour first and foremost. It's the first time in my professional career in Europe that I've been with a team that's come to Australia and toured and for me that was very exciting. "For the game in this country, it's a massive boost and to be part of a team that played here and played my part, it was great, I was excited about it."

Source: Eurosport