Fulham's 'fingers crossed' over Zamora

11 May 2010 07:43
Fulham's Aaron Hughes believes it is crucial that Bobby Zamora wins his fitness battle for the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid.[LNB] Zamora is struggling with an Achilles injury and is a doubt for the biggest match in the Cottagers' 131-year history.[LNB]A clearer picture over his availability should emerge today and Hughes feels it is imperative the team's top scorer features after playing such a central role in helping Fulham reach the Hamburg Arena.[LNB]"Bobby's desperate to play. It's a European final and he's contributed so much the club," said the Northern Ireland defender.[LNB]"This season he's had the goals to go with his hard work whereas last season he didn't get the recognition he is now for scoring.[LNB]"Everyone's delighted that he's been able to get the recognition he deserves. He's such an important part of our team.[LNB]"If he doesn't play we'll miss him but fingers crossed he'll be fit and if he is that's definitely a plus for us."[LNB]Atletico are clear favourites to prevent Fulham lifting their first major trophy but Hughes insists there is one last effort left in their fairytale season.[LNB]"We've done it the hard way in getting to the final and that shows our character more than anything," he said.[LNB]"We kept believing in ourselves and the way we play and that's got us to where we are. There's no reason why we can't win it.[LNB]"Atletico are such a big name with such big players that we have to be the underdogs[LNB]"It's a fine line because anything can happen in the final. It's impressive to get this far but it would be great to win it."[LNB]Hughes lavished praise on manager Roy Hodgson, who has become hot property after masterminding Fulham's spectacular campaign.[LNB]"Roy's about hard work, about getting across his principles on style of play. Everyone knows their job and their position," he said.[LNB]"He's seen it all in his career so is very composed - he knows how to deal with situations.[LNB]"He's pretty calm and that transfers to the players. You don't see us panicking much in games, we just stick to the plan.[LNB]"He stresses that win or lose a lot can be made of one game when in fact you play 38 in the league alone."

Source: Team_Talk