Veteran Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has admitted that he is still keen to join Arsenal, having seen a deadline day move blocked by Cottagers boss Mark Hughes.

The 37-year-old Australia international is eager to take up the chance to play for one of the Premier League's leading lights, but accepts that he has to focus on his form for Fulham for the time being.

Schwarzer was quoted as telling the Australian press:"A lot can happen between now and January – what will be, will be. If there's an opportunity in January, then we'll explore it.

"It was probably one of my hardest periods ever. This is the only time in my career I have ever tried to force an issue.

"I don't have time on my side. If you were a 30-year-old you would walk away and say 'fair enough, I understand'. But I'm almost 38 and I want to fulfil an ambition.

"Sometimes you've just got to grin and bear it and just get on with normal life again as much as possible. You just have to get your head down and work as hard as possible.

"It can affect your day-to-day life and ultimately I am judged on how I perform week in, week out.

"If that performance drops, then no club is going to be interested in me. The bottom line is I've got to play well wherever I am."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email