Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has ordered his players to put their bodies on the line as the club battle against relegation from the Premier League.The former Inter Milan, Blackburn, Switzerland and Finland head coach replaced Lawrie Sanchez last month with a simple brief from owner Mohamed Al Fayed to save the Cottages from the drop.
Hodgson has since collected a solitary point from four league games and saw his men subjected to an embarrassing FA Cup exit at Bristol Rovers.
But the 60-year-old - who has been handed significant funds by Al Fayed during the transfer window - is looking ahead with renewed optimism after Tuesday's battling goalless draw at Bolton.
"There are certain qualities in football teams at the highest level that are vital if the team is going to do anything," said Hodgson.
"The players have got to be very focused, disciplined and work very hard with a good attitude.
"They've got to be prepared to put their bodies on the line on occasions.
"The good thing about Tuesday night's game was that they were certainly prepared to do that and at times we looked good on the ball."
The Cottagers have won only two of their 24 Premier League outings this term to lie second bottom.
Hodgson's men are clear favourites to join Derby in the Championship next season but two of his new signings made promising debuts against Bolton.
Norway defender Brede Hangeland Denmark midfielder Leon Andreasen impressed and with new signings Eddie Johnson and Erik Nevland poised to make their debuts against Aston Villa on Sunday - and Brian McBride also on course for a return to action - the Cottagers at least have hope.
And Alexei Smertin insists life at Craven Cottage has been far more enjoyable since Sanchez was ushered out of the door and Hodgson installed in his place.
The Russian said: "Under Sanchez we played a lot of long balls and diagonal balls into the opposition's penalty area.
"Now it is better because we are playing more football.
"Training sessions have also changed for the better since Roy took over and we are confident that we can get out of trouble.
"The new players should definitely help us because we need to start scoring goals and quickly."
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