Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will not play a full game against Gold Coast United tomorrow night. Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson said his number one shot-stopper would not be playing at all if the friendly was not in Australia and hopes fans understand.

"The problem for Mark is, and I hope people in Australia realise this, that under normal circumstances he would not have taken part," Hodgson said.

"If we'd gone away on a tour anywhere else but Australia we would not have used Mark Schwarzer.

"He played his last game on June 17 and he's entitled to a month's rest. But I spoke to Mark before we agreed to this tour and he agreed to give up holidays really in order to play and be a part of it.

"We want to make certain he's fit for another good season and I presume you people would like to see him fit and healthy in 2010 when you're off to South Africa."