Schwarzer determined to leave Fulham

Schwarzer came close to joining Arsenal in the summer (GETTY IMAGES)

Mark Schwarzer has hinted he will try to "force" Fulham to sell him in January after being denied a summer move to Arsenal.

Australia goalkeeper Schwarzer saw a written transfer request snubbed by the Cottagers during a close season in which the Gunners bid £2million for his services.

But the 37-year-old, whose contract expires next summer, looks set to make a fresh bid for freedom when the window reopens.

"A lot can happen between now and January. What will be will be," Schwarzer said.

"If there's an opportunity in January then we'll explore it."

Speaking after arriving in his native Australia for their upcoming friendly against Paraguay, Schwarzer added: "This is the only time in my career I have ever tried to force an issue.

"I don't have time on my side. If you were a 30-year-old, you would walk away and say, 'Fair enough, I understand'.

"But I'm almost 38 and I want to fulfil an ambition. The sheer opportunity that was there - that was very flattering.

"But sometimes you've just got to grin and bear it and just get on with normal life again as much as possible.

"You just have to get your head down and work as hard as possible.

"It can affect your day-to-day life, and ultimately I am judged on how I perform week in, week out.

"If that performance drops, then no club is going to be interested in me.

"The bottom line is I've got to play well, wherever I am."