The defensive strength that has helped propel Fulham into the top half of the Premier League could be compromised if Brede Hangeland is lured away during the January transfer window.

That's the fear expressed by Mark Schwarzer, the veteran goalkeeper enjoying a new lease of life with the club who will be trying to do a League double over Spurs on Boxing Day.

Schwarzer's imposing presence, and a back four so effectively marshalled by Hangeland that it has conceded just 12 goals this term, will send Fulham to White Hart Lane confident of extending a run of seven games unbeaten that includes a 2-1 home win over Spurs.

Attention is bound to focus on midfielder Jimmy Bullard whose wage demands, which apparently exceed what Fulham are willing to pay, could see him become a Spurs player next month.

The simple truth, however, is that Bullard is not the real star of Fulham's revival under Roy Hodgson. That honour rests with the towering Hangeland whose consistency is one of the reasons why his side share the League's third best defensive record.

Schwarzer, right-back John Pantsil, and centre-halves Hangeland and Aaron Hughes have started all 17 League games, while left-back Paul Konchesky has missed just one of those matches.

But Hangeland, the 6ft 5ins Norway international bought by Hodgson from FC Copenhagen for £2.5 million last January, has inevitably attracted interest from a number of clubs including Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool.

Hodgson concedes he may struggle to hang on to the 27-year-old and Schwarzer said: "It would be a blow to lose him. Brede is proving to be a top-class player and a top professional, he is one of the last to leave the training ground every day and he looks after himself very well. All of our back line have played well. People tend to forget about Hughes, who has been outstanding, as have Pantsil and Konchesky.

"But certain individuals are always going to be singled out and Brede is very composed on the ball, he is strong in one-on-one situations and his aerial dominance is superb."

Schwarzer has won praise from Hodgson, who said: "Mark's been a remarkable signing in terms of his ability, presence and enthusiasm."

The 36-year-old Australian rejected other offers, including a lucrative one from Italian side Fiorentina, to join Fulham on a free in May following 11 seasons at Middlesbrough.

He said: "Moving to Fulham was a great way to refresh, to give myself an extra boost, to really get that extra spring in my step and concentrate on my goal of qualifying for the World Cup.

"Not for one moment have I regretted my decision."