Schwarzer eyeing happier time

Fulham keeper aims to erase bad memories of Boro defeat

Last updated: 12th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Schwarzer eyeing happier time

Schwarzer: Eyeing victory

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Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer is hoping it will be second time lucky as he prepares for the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid.

The veteran shot-stopper was part of the Middlesbrough side which went down 4-0 to Sevilla in the 2006 Uefa Cup final.

While admitting he never expected to make the final once again, the Australian is desperate to win to erase the unhappy memories of four years ago.

The 37-year-old said: "Both Boro and Fulham were unfancied clubs to get to a European final.

Extra value

"To be here with Fulham at this stage in my career is something I thought would never be possible so it adds that extra little bit of value to the occasion.

"I've not got the best memories from last time out so I'd like to think I can turn things around."

The Australian also believes Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has more than answered his critics by steering the Cottagers to the final.

The former Inter Milan boss left England under a cloud 12 years ago when he was sacked by Blackburn but Schwarzer believes he has shown his true colours this time around.

Quiet

Schwarzer added: "The manager's enjoyed his time here even more because he's kept a lot of his critics from his earlier period in the Premier League quiet.

"To an extent he's shoved it back in their face. And I'm very happy about that.

"He's gathered the experience he has and brought it back to the English game.

"He's been away for quite a long time with jobs throughout the world.

"He's the reason why I joined Fulham in the first place and my decision has been justified by the results and the performances we've shown in the last two years."