Bullard has to be patient

Roy Hodgson insists Jimmy Bullard will not be getting a new contract soon despite his recent England call-up.

The future of the 29-year-old Fulham midfielder has been the subject of speculation but Hodgson insisted: "He doesn't need a new contract because he has two years to run on his current one.

"If he was in the final year of his contract and was refusing to sign one, that would be causing one or two alarm bells to start ringing.

"But I think, with two years to go in his contract, he knows the most important thing for him is to play well enough to keep his place with England and to play well enough to help Fulham climb up the table. We'll worry about the new contract when the time comes."

Hodgson admitted the possibility of a bid for Bullard could change the club's stance, but said: "We'll have to take that situation when it comes."

Fulham visit West Brom tomorrow with South Korea striker Seol Ki-Hyeon set to replace the suspended Andy Johnson. Fellow forward Bobby Zamora is a doubt for the game because of a cold.