Brede Hangeland

Brede Hangeland has admitted it was crucial for Fulham to pick up three points against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Norway international, who joined from FC Copenhagen in January, admits it was an exhausting match to play in.

But he was delighted with the outcome as Jimmy Bullard's late free-kick gave Fulham their first win under Roy Hodgson.

Hangeland has now urged his team-mates to follow it up and climb out of the relegation zone as quickly as possible.

"It was a horrific pace throughout the match," Hangeland told Stavanger Aftenblad.

"I have rarely been as worn out. This was certainly three points we need.

"We should build on this. It was truly strong to fight back from one goal down."