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Roy Hodgson |
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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson admits
Premier League survival has to be his priority ahead of his side's cup clash with
Bristol Rovers.
Hodgson has inherited a Fulham side second-from-bottom of the league with just 15
points from 21 matches and facing an almighty scrap to avoid the "horror" of relegation.
Just five points separate six teams in the congested lower reaches of the table.
The well-travelled Hodgson is relishing a return to hands-on coaching - the players
were put through a double training session yesterday - and he insists Fulham can
escape the drop.
"It's a massive job but the fact is I wouldn't have taken on the job if I didn't
think I had the ability and the confidence to do it," said Hodgson.
"We fully understand that our most important task in the next four months is to
try and maintain our Premier League status.
"I view with horror the scenario where we don't succeed and keep the club in the
Premier League but at the moment I have no reason to fear that."
Bristol Rovers captain Stuart Campbell will miss the clash at Craven Cottage through suspension.
The midfielder collected his fifth yellow card of the season during Rovers' 1-1
home draw against Luton on Boxing Day and must serve a one-match ban.
First-team coach Paul Trollope said: "I am very disappointed for him and I feel
for him that he has to miss this particular game.
"He has been excellent for us again so far this season and it is not nice that he
has to sit it out when we have the chance to test ourselves against Premier League
opposition."
Striker Sean Rigg is not expected to recover from a hamstring injury in time and
he is set to remain sidelined along with defensive duo Byron Anthony (foot) and
Ryan Green (jaw).