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Fulham's Mark Schwarzer says new signing Pavel Pogrebnyak has the ability to fill the void left by Bobby Zamora
The Russia international marked his debut at Craven Cottage with a goal and the veteran goalkeeper believes he has the ability to be a success at the Premier League club
15 Feb 2012 08:08:00
By Joel Sands
Getty Images
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes new signing Pavel Pogrebnyak has all the qualities necessary to fill the void left by former striker Bobby Zamora.
Pogrebnyak marked his Premier League debut with a goal in the Cottagers' 2-1 victory over Stoke City on Saturday, and Schwarzer said that although it would be difficult to replace Zamora, the Russia international has impressed his team-mates so far.
"Time will tell,” the Socceroo told the Daily Star. “Pavel has had one game and the signs are positive. In training he has been very good but it will take someone special to replace Bobby in the long term.
"It's always difficult when you lose big players and Zamora scored a lot of goals and his link-up play was invaluable.”
The 39-year-old also stated the club are confident that it won’t take long for Pogrebnyak to be performing at his very best.
"Pavel has all the attributes to do that," he added. "We're confident he can get better and better. He looks very good and has fitted in easily.
“His work-rate was excellent and, although you probably didn't see his ability on the ball, his finish was top class."
Pogrebnyak joined Fulham from Bundesliga side Stuttgart on the final day of the transfer window following Zamora’s move to London rivals QPR.
Meanwhile, Schwarzer reiterated on the club's website earlier this week that he remains keen to continue into his 40s and play for his country at the 2014 Fifa World Cup.
"I am playing football at the highest level and I am almost 40 years old," he insisted.
"As long as you love playing and you're still good enough to play at this level then I want to continue.
He added: "I still have ambitions to go and represent Australia in another World Cup in 2014, that is my ultimate goal."
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Pogrebnyak marked his Premier League debut with a goal in the Cottagers' 2-1 victory over Stoke City on Saturday, and Schwarzer said that although it would be difficult to replace Zamora, the Russia international has impressed his team-mates so far.
"Time will tell,” the Socceroo told the Daily Star. “Pavel has had one game and the signs are positive. In training he has been very good but it will take someone special to replace Bobby in the long term.
"It's always difficult when you lose big players and Zamora scored a lot of goals and his link-up play was invaluable.”
The 39-year-old also stated the club are confident that it won’t take long for Pogrebnyak to be performing at his very best.
"Pavel has all the attributes to do that," he added. "We're confident he can get better and better. He looks very good and has fitted in easily.
“His work-rate was excellent and, although you probably didn't see his ability on the ball, his finish was top class."
Pogrebnyak joined Fulham from Bundesliga side Stuttgart on the final day of the transfer window following Zamora’s move to London rivals QPR.
Meanwhile, Schwarzer reiterated on the club's website earlier this week that he remains keen to continue into his 40s and play for his country at the 2014 Fifa World Cup.
"I am playing football at the highest level and I am almost 40 years old," he insisted.
"As long as you love playing and you're still good enough to play at this level then I want to continue.
He added: "I still have ambitions to go and represent Australia in another World Cup in 2014, that is my ultimate goal."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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