Schwarzer is 36 and has indicated he will continue playing for Australia until the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"He's been a remarkable signing in terms of his ability, his presence, his enthusiasm," said Hodgson.

"I think Mark's been well protected by the whole team in front of him but when he's been called upon he's done a great job.

"The great goalkeepers - the Jennings, the Shiltons - they went into their 40s. The game demands so much of players and it can't be easy having every year the stress of performing at the highest level and the physical pressures of the game.

"But he keeps himself in remarkably good condition and if he can keep his body fit I'm sure he can go on for a long time. He's showing no signs of relenting."

Schwarzer told the London Informer: "The club's given me a new lease of life. It's been a fantastic move for me and there's every possibility I will end my career here.

"My immediate goal is the 2010 World Cup, and it's more than likely I will quit international football after that, but domestically I still want to continue.

"There's a few of us in the Premier League in the late 30s - Edwin Van der Sar has just signed an extension until 2010, David James has just signed a new contract as well and Brad Friedel has signed a three-year deal and he's 37 - so there's hope for me yet."