David Stockdale has told Fulham No.1 Mark Schwarzer not to expect his place back when he returns.
Schwarzer deputy warns No.1 not to just expect place back
Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale has told No.1 Mark Schwarzer not to expect his place back when he returns from the Asian Cup.
The Australian shot-stopper is currently on international duty with the Socceroos at the Asian Cup in Qatar and could be away for around four weeks depending on his nation's progress.
Stockdale will start in goal against West Brom on Tuesday night and impressed between the sticks early in the season, including saving a penalty against Manchester United at Craven Cottage in August.
And the 25-year-old former Darlington man stated that, despite Schwarzer being recognised as one of the league's most consistent keepers, he should not just expect to walk back into the first team.
Hard to fill
"Mark is an integral part of our team and I'm sure his boots are going to be hard to fill and you know that you've got to be on form," he said.
"But hopefully I can do more than just fill his boots and try to keep hold of the shirt.
"I've got a chance and I hope to give a good showing again and prove that I can follow up what I did at the start of the season.
"Before Mark left I wished him the best of luck and said 'I hope you get to the final' which would mean more games for me!
"He is a very patriotic person. We've had many a discussion over the Ashes.
"He wants to play for his country and I want to play for Fulham so it worked out quite well.
"I won't be letting him back in easy."
