Schwarzer warns Fulham on Roma cauldron

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Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has warned his Fulham teammates to expect a tough encounter when they step into the cauldron of Roma's Stadio Olimpico this week.

Fulham, whom Schwarzer joined from Middlesbrough in 2008, meet Roma in a Europa League clash on Thursday.

The Cottagers drew 1-1 when they hosted the Italian club in the first leg last month and are unbeaten after three Europa League matches, sitting a point behind Group E leaders Basel.

"We've had a reasonably good start in the group stages and we were very disappointed not to win against Roma but we're confident we can go to Rome and get a result, which we need to do," Schwarzer told Fulham's website.

"It's going to be a tough game, they're a very good side and it's quite a daunting place as I've played there before with Middlesbrough so I know what it's like. Hopefully we can get a good result."

Fulham fans have been cautioned about safety and ordered to use official shuttle buses being laid on by Rome police following a series of violent incidents involving English fans in the city in recent years.

In 2006, three Middlesbrough fans were stabbed the night before a UEFA Cup match.

A number of Manchester United fans were injured amid violence in 2007, and two Arsenal fans were hurt when the coach taking them to the stadium was attacked earlier this year.

A Fulham spokesman told Britain's The Daily Telegraph: "We have advised every fan buying a ticket through us, the only source, to meet at the pre-arranged meeting point from where they will be taken to the stadium.

"Rome police have organised the shuttle buses, and both the police and AS Roma have worked very closely with us and have been incredibly helpful."

Meanwhile, Schwarzer said the key to Fulham's memorable 3-1 win over Liverpool last Saturday was simple.

"There's no secret to it - it's all about hard work," Schwarzer said.

"The manager is adamant about the way he wants us to play and we are drilled day-in, day-out, in training."

Since Roy Hodgson took over as manager in January 2008, Fulham have taken several high profile scalps at Craven Cottage, including Arsenal, Manchester United and now Liverpool.

"Obviously expectations were raised after last season," Schwarzer said.

"The supporters have the right to demand better performances ... the goal is to get 40 points as soon as possible and then we can start to look further up the table."