Cottagers manager Hodgson looked on the brink at the start of April following defeat to Sunderland but then inspired the club's unlikely survival bid.

"I've been impressed with the manager," said defender Hangeland. "He's always really calm and focused on the things we need to do. He doesn't get carried away if we're leading, or not leading, he gives us the right messages and he's had a big impact on this achievement.

"We've seen the team improve, especially over the last month. We've worked on the same stuff on the training ground every day and now it's paying off.

"It was good that it did in the end - we've taken 12 points from the last five games and we needed all of them. It's a fantastic achievement."

Defender Hangeland has impressed since joining the club in January from Viking FK and will be involved next season as Fulham look to avoid another relegation battle.