Hughes admits Schwarzer doubt

Fulham boss Mark Hughes admitted after the 0-0 draw at Bolton that Mark Schwarzer's future is still uncertain.

The former Manchester City boss came into his new role with a goalkeeping headache prior to the game at the Reebok Stadium after Schwarzer picked up a back injury and was deemed too much of a risk to play.

The Cottagers chief gave back-up shot-stopper David Stockdale only his second Premier League start and the 24-year-old proved a worthy addition to the away side as his assured display helped earn Fulham a point and clean sheet.

Schwarzer's Fulham future has been in doubt for some months after Arsenal came in with a bid for the Australia international, prompting the 'keeper to hand in a transfer request.

Hughes ideally wants to keep his No.1 but admitted the transfer saga is no closer to being resolved.

Asked if the 37-year-old would be at Fulham much longer, Hughes said: "That is the intention, yes. Nothing has moved on.

Conversations

"Myself and Mark have had conversations and I fully understand the reasoning behind the fact that he maybe wants to take up the opportunity (to join Arsenal).

"But I think he also understands that we have to protect our position as well, and that is what we are doing.

"We are not going to put Fulham's position or reputation at risk by making promises we can't fulfil, so at the moment it's very much the status quo and nothing has moved on."

Fulham had good chances to clinch their first away win in 18 Premier League games when Bobby Zamora saw a lob just sail over Jussi Jaaskelainen's bar.

However Bolton had equally good efforts on goal, in particular Stuart Holden's 78th-minute drive which cannoned off the post.

Hughes paid tribute to his players' preparation which saw a usually robust Kevin Davies stifled up front as Johan Elmander failed to break the deadlock for the hosts.

"I was pleased, I thought we equipped ourselves really quite well," he said.

"We closed down the space well, our back five including our young 'keeper David Stockdale, I thought they were really accomplished today and dealt with everything that was asked of them."

An inspired performance from centre-back Brede Hangeland earned particular praise from Hughes after the Norwegian gave Davies a tough time which frustrated the Bolton frontman.

Accomplished

"I thought Brede, with his stature in the game, was able to cope quite well with that and with the few balls that he did miss the back four got in position very early to deal with the second ball which is always important when you come to Bolton," said Hughes.

Stockdale will no doubt take a share of the plaudits for a calm and collected display for the visitors and Hughes highlighted the youngster's accomplished performance.

With very little activity in the transfer market, Hughes said he would welcome more additions to Fulham who have been linked with a move for Manchester City's Craig Bellamy.

"We're talking with players and with clubs and if we can get more players in then we will be pleased because I've got good quality players in the squad already. If we can add further quality I think we'll have a good season," added the Welshman.