Hodgson: Schwarzer is signing of the season
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Mark Schwarzer did not cost Fulham a penny, but boss Roy Hodgson believes he was the signing of the season.
The veteran keeper left Middlesbrough in the summer on a free transfer and headed to Craven Cottage.
And while his former club have been struggling near the foot of the table, Schwarzer has enjoyed a superb season and has been an integral part of Fulham’s push for Europe.
The 36-year-old makes his return to The Riverside on Saturday, as The Cottagers look to heap more misery on second-bottom Boro, and Hodgson was full of praise for the Australian.
"We didn't buy him of course, he was a free transfer," Hodgson said. "So in that respect, if the transfer cost to Fulham was zero he must be the best signing of the season.
"He's been a major contributor to the success.
"He's had an outstanding season, the goalkeeper we thought he was. His performances have been unbelievably consistent and the way he deals with shots and crosses has been very good.
"The stability he has brought to the team is something you can see in the confidence the back four have in him.
"Every team have units and our back four and goalkeeper have been very strong this year - Mark has been a major factor in that."