Hodgson defends Euro selection

Boss makes host of changes ahead of European opener

Last updated: 16th September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hodgson defends Euro selection

Hodgson: European adventure

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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson insists he is not neglecting the Europa League ahead of their Group E clash with CSKA Sofia.

The Cottagers travel to Bulgaria to open their European group campaign and Hodgson has made a host of changes from the side that beat Everton 2-1 on Sunday.

Only goalkeeper David Stockdale and defender John Pantsil survive as once again questions arise regarding English teams' commitment to the tournament.

Fulham are without midfield duo Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey through injury but the likes of Andy Johnson and Brede Hangeland are rested after featuring regularly in the Premier League.

Last season Aston Villa and Tottenham suffered premature elimination after fielding severely weakened sides as both favoured to pursue domestic goals.

However, Hodgson has dismissed suggestions of Fulham following suit and has pointed to the number of international players in his side to reiterate his stance.

"We're not neglecting the tournament," said the 62-year-old.

"When Aston Villa and Tottenham fielded what they thought were weaker sides there was virtually no one from their first-team squad involved.

"I fully believe the team I put out will be very competitive. Only one player - Stockdale - has not played international football.

"All the other 10 have played for their countries so we're not talking about an inexperienced team lacking in ability.

Squad Use

"There's no point signing players like Jonathan Greening, Bjorn Helge Riise, Erik Nevland and Zoltan Gera if you're not going to use them.

"We're very happy to be in this competition. We're looking forward to it and think it's a great adventure, but it's an adventure for the squad not just 11.

"We'll do the best job we can. We've worked hard to get here and will take it for what it is.

"If we play well and get through to the next round we'd be delighted, but if we can't then we won't be shedding that many tears.

"We've said all along our priority is the Premier League and I'd take beating relegation over winning the Europa League every time," he added.

Assistant Referees

Fulham's clash at the Vasil Levski Stadium on Thursday will see the addition of two assistant referees for the first time.

The officials will be positioned behind each goal to aid decisions in the penalty area but Hodgson admits the new trial is open for debate and he is willing to watch it unfold.

"The extra officials will be interesting. I don't have a strong opinion at the moment," he said.

"In principle the idea of having an extra pair of eyes is good. But we're interested to see if in reality it works."

CSKA manager Luboslav Penev has warned Fulham that his side have targeted victory as they seek to progress from a group that also includes Roma and Basel.

"We will play to win and hope for a good result. I believe in the team and the ambition of CSKA is to qualify further," said Penev.

"I have great respect for Fulham and we won't be underestimating them."