Fulham FC boss Roy Hodgson is holding his breath that the last two players to report back this morning are in good health for the FA Cup tie at Swansea tomorrow.

Winger Clint Dempsey and keeper Mark Schwarzer have travelled from the other side of the world after representing their countries midweek.

And Hodgson has the added worry of hoping central defender Aaron Hughes has recovered from a dead leg he suffered only minutes from the end of Northern Ireland's clash with San Marino on Wednesday.

For all that, Hodgson is hoping Premiership class will still edge past Championship potential - even given the lack of preparation.

The Fulham manager could also have done without watching ace defender Brede Hangeland star for the entire 90 minutes in Norway's 1-0 win over Germany.

He said: "You hope these players only play part of the game, and yes, I did ask if that were possible, but all you can do is ask."

Olivier Dacourt is favourite to make a starting debut instead of the injured Dickson Etuhu in the defensive midfield slot.