PLAYER PROFILE

Brede Hangeland

Position: Defence

Height: 6'5

Weight: 13st 5lbs

Date of Birth: 1981-06-20 Houston, Texas, USA

Brede Hangeland

Brede Hangeland started his career at Norwegian club Viking FK, where he played under future Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, before moving on in 2005 to Danish side FC Copenhagen.

There, he played a part in shock Champions League wins over Manchester United and Celtic before joining Fulham and Hodgson in January 2008.

He made his debut in a league match against Bolton at the end of that month and was named Man of the Match after an impressive display. He quickly became a fan favourite and was an influential figure in the club's successful bid to avoid relegation at the end of the 2007/08 season.

He was named Norway captain in August 2008 and scored his first goal for Fulham a few weeks later, hitting the winner in a surprise victory over Arsenal at Craven Cottage. It was one of many highlights in an impressive campaign for both Hangeland and his club as they eventually finished seventh in the league, thanks in no small part to his superb performances.