Fulham hint at long-term Eidur Gudjohnsen deal

Mark Hughes today revealed Eidur Gudjohnsen is on course to secure a permanent contract at Fulham.

Gudjohnsen temporarily ended an unproductive spell at Stoke when he joined the Cottagers last month on a loan deal lasting until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old Iceland striker has since been limited to two substitute appearances, but Hughes has been impressed with what he has seen so far.

"We've got Eidur until the end of the season and we're pleased with him," said the Fulham manager.

"There will be chances between now and the end of the season and if he continues the way he has been in training, I'm sure there will be conversations to be had.

"I knew I was getting a good player given his pedigree and the quality I've witnessed in the past.

"It was never a risk. His last club didn't work out for him and I'm delighted he's here. He's added quality to the group."

Hughes revealed the rehabilitation of Bobby Zamora is on schedule with the England marksman on target for the reserves in midweek.

Zamora is close to a first-team return after six months out with a broken leg while centre-back Philippe Senderos is also approaching full fitness following his battle with an Achilles problem.

"Philippe and Bobby are training with the full group and are doing what everyone else is doing. They just need full games now," said Hughes.

"We had a game in the week. Bobby had 60 minutes and Philippe 45. They came through it fine so we're pleased with their progress.

"We'll give them more games over the coming weeks and see how they go.

"It's great for Bobby, the team and the club that he's so close. He's a big presence in and around the team.

"He's a very loud and happy guy and is a big personality around the place.

"We've missed that. For a long time he's been stuck with the medical guys and we've missed that interaction with him.

"He's back now and is very positive, as you'd imagine. He's looking forward to getting back."

Fulham host Bolton on Sunday in the fifth round of the FA Cup and Hughes is determined for his side to progress as far as possible in the competition.

"I've picked strong teams right from the beginning, that's what I do," he said.

"I like to have a go in the cup because there aren't that many competitions in which you have a realistic opportunity to have a run.

"Why give up that opportunity easily? We'll give the competition the respect it deserves and see how far we can go. We've done well so far up to this point."