Fulham are now just four points from safety at the foot of the table and face fellow strugglers Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

The Cottagers have eight more matches to avoid relegation from the top flight but five of those are away from home and they have not won on their travels for 18 months.

But Hodgson has been boosted by a draw away at Blackburn Rovers and a hard-fought victory over Everton at Craven Cottage last Sunday. The Fulham chief is well aware his side must not become complacent as they approach the first in a number of crucial matches.

Hodgson said: "I do feel the confidence in the team is good but I hope they are aware one victory doesn't solve any problems. If we start believing that because we have done quite well in the last couple of games our problems are virtually over, then we are unbelievably naive.

"Our problems are still great because we are in the relegation zone and adrift of a pack of teams just above the relegation zone.

"Everything depends on us making certain that the hunger, appetite, desire, enthusiasm and work rate is there in every game and then I would like to think if we have that, we might just have enough quality."