One of the enduring debates at Fulham has surrounded Zoltan Gera's consistency. There are those who believe the Hungary midfielder has failed to repeat the form which steered West Brom into the Premier League in 2008.

However, Gera admits he is a confidence player and his backers at Craven Cottage believe the patience Roy Hodgson has shown in the 30-year-old is finally paying off.

During Saturday's 3-1 victory over Liverpool, Gera came on in the second half to produce a piece of ball-juggling wizardry just beyond the six-yard line that deserved better than for his shot to end in the arms of Pepe Reina.

And tonight, against Europa League rivals Roma in the Stadio Olimpico, he will get a chance to replicate his fine contribution to Fulham's 1-1 draw against the Italians a fortnight ago.

Hodgson makes no secret of the fact that he is a fan. "Zoltan is first class in every respect," said the manager.

"His character is outstanding. He's one of the hardest working, most honest, dedicated players I've come across. We're very satisfied with the work he does here and I think, as a free transfer signing, he's one of the best signings Fulham have ever made."

In and out of the team which finished a club record seventh in the Premier League last season, Gera's problem this term has been retaining his place in a midfield that Hodgson has packed with skill and experience.

But with the injured trio of Danny Murphy, Damien Duff and Simon Davies unlikely to figure tonight, he has another opportunity to prove himself.Gera, who has scored twice in 13 appearances this season, said: "Confidence is the key for me. When I'm confident, I play well. The trick is to try and keep my confidence high.

"Sometimes I feel like I can do anything out on the pitch."

The player acknowledges there is stiff competition for places in Fulham's midfield but said: "I think I have responded in a positive manner. I understand what I need to do and I have continued to work hard in training. When I get the opportunity, I need to make sure that I take it."

He will need to be at his best against a Roma side that on Sunday beat Bologna 2-1 for a first win since the beginning of October and which needs at least a draw to keep alive hopes of making the knockout stages.

With Fulham looking to extend an unbeaten run of six games in order to at least consolidate their second place in the table behind Basle, Gera said: "This is a massive game for us and one that we really need to win but a European night in Rome shows how far this club has come.

"We made a lot of people sit up and take notice of us last season, so it's really nice to be doing that on the European stage as well."

Roma's boost against Bologna at the weekend was good news for under-fire boss Claudio Ranieri. But, like Hodgson, he is having to deal with a growing injury list that includes long-term casualty Francesco Totti, plus Brazilian centre-back Juan and French striker Jeremy Menez.

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