Roy Hodgson's men face A-League newcomers Gold Coast United on Wednesday in their opening pre-season friendly of what promises to be an exciting campaign at Craven Cottage.

The game has generated plenty of headlines in Australia and Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg hopes his side can take a morale-boosting win into their debut league season, telling his club's official website: “We know this is going to be a very tough game, but we also know that perhaps this is a good time to play them as it’s so early in their pre-season program.

“Our players are in their second month of pre-season training but Fulham will only be in their second week.

"Naturally, we will be doing everything we can to take advantage of that."

Hodgson meanwhile continues to be linked with a host of new signings, including Aussie striker Mark Viduka, Tuncay of Middlesbrough and West Brom midfielder Jonathan Greening.