Fulham boss Roy Hodgson says skipper Danny Murphy is getting better with age.

Murphy, 32, is set to return to action in tonight's Europa League clash with CSKA Sofia, after recovering from the knee problem which has sidelined him since mid-October.

Hodgson said: "He's still one of the best players of his type around. Danny has been excellent for me in the two years since I've been at the club.

"He's a very good captain and a playmaker who has done that job perfectly. During the two years I've worked with him, he has just got better and better.

"I see him going on for a good few years yet, though it depends on whether he can keep himself free of injuries. I think he can.

"Danny Murphy will start and it would be nice if he could play the full 90 minutes. That is the plan. But we are realistic. It is a long while since he has played."