Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen has admitted that he is relieved to have Brede Hangeland back to full fitness.

The defender has been out of action since October due to a sciatic nerve problem, but he is expected to be named on the bench for tonight's FA Cup third-round replay against Norwich City at Craven Cottage.

"It's a massive boost to have him back because he has been here for so long and knows the club inside out," Meulensteen told the Fulham Chronicle.

"He knows how important it is to get things back on track and has been very frustrated with the injury. He's knocking on the door and is raring to go."

The winner of tonight's match between Fulham and Norwich will travel to Sheffield United in the fourth round of the competition.