Hughes: Schwarzer no done deal

ARSENAL have been warned their bid to sign Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is not a foregone conclusion.

Schwarzer was left out of Fulham’s team because of injury during yesterday’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United and his replacement David Stockdale again impressed, saving a penalty from Nani.

But Fulham manager Mark Hughes is adamant that will not mean Fulham are tempted to accept an offer for the Australian from Arsene Wenger.

Hughes said: “It’s not a foregone conclusion. The boy is not fit at the moment. He trained yesterday, went out with the physio and felt discomfort in a few minutes, so he was never an option. We’re all aware of Arsenal’s interest. He’s an outstanding goalkeeper and they obviously feel they have an issue with their goalkeepers. I just want to protect my football club and make sure that we don’t weaken or lessen our squad with any departures.

“Stockdale has done very well, he’s a good young keeper. We’ve been impressed with what we’ve seen since we’ve been here. He’s been a star man in both games, arguably. We’re pleased with what he’s producing at the moment. But it’s always difficult for young keepers. They get by initially on enthusiasm, but can they keep it up over time? We’ve got to be careful with him.”

Fulham have already turned down two bids from Arsenal for Schwarzer, both for £2m (€2.4m), and are bracing themselves for another today.

Meanwhile Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has hit out at his winger Nani for taking and missing the penalty that Stockdale saved.

He said: “I thought Ryan Giggs should have taken it. In the last game we played against Tottenham at home Ryan scored two penalty kicks and Nani was on the pitch the same day. Maybe Ryan should have taken it.

“When you get the opportunity to seal the game with that penalty you should be taking it. It was a missed opportunity, I feel, and it galvanised them, got the crowd up and they scored the equaliser in the end.”