Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is determined to keep midfielder/forward Clint Dempsey in mint condition so he can continue his brilliant form of late.

The Cottagers boss insists he will work with USA national team coach Bob Bradley to ensure that Dempsey is not overused and keep him clear of burnout.

Dempsey is currently playing Premier League, Europa League and will have international friendlies with the USA next year and because Fulham's squad is so small, will always be required by Hodgson.

But the manager says it is important t keep the 26-year old fresh.

"I think we have worked very hard to ensure he gets the rest periods he needs, sometimes enforcing it upon him," Hodgson said.

"Bob Bradley is very good in that respect. He is aware also that Dempsey is an important man for him and doesn't want to burn him out by insisting he plays every USA game.

"He realises that I, too, am trying to help the player stay fresh as much as I possibly can and he is on the same wavelength, so it's a very simple discussion.

"And, in fact, the USA did something I don't think any other team did. When they qualified for the World Cup, they had another couple of matches after that and they didn't use Dempsey for those, they used domestic based players. That is very good."