Hodgson has been universally praised during a spectacularly successful second spell in the Barclays Premier League having left England under a cloud 12 years ago when he was sacked by Blackburn.

The nomadic 62-year-old has always been a respected figure on the continent but it is only now he is receiving the same recognition at home.

His success has seen him linked with Liverpool and even England should Fabio Capello step down.

Schwarzer, one of Fulham's star players since his arrival on a free transfer from Middlesbrough in 2008, insists the acclaim is well deserved.

"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," said the Australian keeper.

"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."

Schwarzer was part of the Boro team that was thumped 4-0 by Seville in the 2006 UEFA Cup final and hopes tomorrow night will provide happier memories.

"Both Boro and Fulham were unfancied clubs to get to a European final," he said.

"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."