Schwarzer extends Fulham deal, eyes Brazil

Mark Schwarzer has signed a one-year extension to his Fulham contract which will keep him at the club until 2013.

The 39-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most reliable keepers in the Premier League, joined the Cottagers on a free transfer in 2008 following a long stint with Middlesbrough.

Schwarzer said he hoped to prolong his club career at least until the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

"I love playing and want to continue for as long as possible, as long as the performances are there," he said. "I like to set myself targets and the 2014 World Cup is my goal without a doubt.

"I'm enjoying my football as much as ever and I try to maximise every opportunity I get. The saying I use is, 'I'll be a long time retired', so I want to do the best job I can. There's plenty of time to feel tired when you're retired - now is the time to enjoy it."

Schwarzer, who is currently injured, said he had taken inspiration from Tottenham Hotspur 40-year-old keeper Brad Friedel.

"I look at Brad Friedel and he's older than me, so I'll keep going as long as he's going!" he told Fulham's official website. "He said to me he's going to play for at least another two seasons, so I've got at least that."

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Schwarzer suffers back injury

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with a spinal injury.

The Australian international sustained the injury during Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Swansea City and saw a specialist consultant last night. 

The goalkeeper has been disheartened by the injury, stating on Twitter: "Thanks for your well wishes, I'm devastated to be out for 4-6 weeks. After speaking to the specialist, it was very clear I needed a rest."

Schwarzer has now been diagnosed with a compression injury to his thoracic spine and will be unavailable for between four and six weeks. The injury has ruled Schwarzer out of this evening's vital UEFA Europa League Group K clash with Odense at Craven Cottage.

The 39-year-old was expected to be replaced by Philippines international Neil Etheridge, making his first-team debut aged 21. Etheridge began his career with SW6 rivals Chelsea and penned a contract extension with Fulham until 2013 in the summer.

In addition to Etheridge stepping in, Fulham manager Martin Jol has invoked a loan agreement clause that sees England squad member David Stockdale return from Ipswich.

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