Source: Team_Talk
Zamora 'desperate' to lead final charge
obby Zamora is crossing his fingers that he overcomes an Achilles problem in time to lead Fulham's attempt to reach the Europa League final.[LNB] The 19-goal striker hobbled out of the first leg with Hamburg after less than an hour last night following the recurrence of his long-standing injury.[LNB]Manager Roy Hodgson has already ruled the 29-year-old out of Sunday's Premier League tussle with Everton and confirmed Zamora faces some intensive treatment before he is given the all-clear to start next Thursday's Craven Cottage decider.[LNB]And, having enjoyed such a stellar campaign, that is a date Zamora intends to keep.[LNB]"I have had an Achilles tendon problem for a long time," said the former West Ham star. "It has been niggling at me for a bit now and I just did a little bit too much but I really hope to play next Thursday, I am desperate to be part of that."[LNB]Fulham could certainly do with Zamora as they seem to have hit a scoring drought following goalless draws with Wolves and Liverpool immediately prior to last night's stalemate.[LNB]It leaves them in a slightly precarious position, knowing an away goal from a team containing legendary predator Ruud van Nistelrooy will leave Fulham with a stiff uphill task.[LNB]That is not to obscure another marvellous night for the west London side, who are now just 90 minutes away from possibly the most famous night in their history.[LNB]"It was a great result because everyone knows what we can do at home," said Zamora. "We managed to keep it tight, which gives us a big chance.[LNB]"It doesn't mean we will definitely go through but we are quietly confident we can get a result if we play as we normally do at Craven Cottage."[LNB]Having disposed of Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus and German champions Wolfsburg already in the knock-out stages, Fulham have every reason to be bullish.[LNB]The platform for victory will have to be laid by another solid defensive performance, though.[LNB]Apart from one half-chance in the opening minute, the Fulham defence shut van Nistelrooy out completely, while Mark Schwarzer was on hand to make three important saves as the visitors' legs began to wilt in the latter stages.[LNB]"We are a well-drilled team, which has been a major part of our success this season," said Zamora. [LNB]"And Mark Schwarzer is a top goalkeeper. Without doubt he is one of the best I have worked with, so we are happy to have him here."[LNB]Having taken the option to remain in Germany overnight, Fulham were at least able to take advantage of flight restrictions being lifted, ensuring the trip back to England was not as punishing as the one out.[LNB]"It means we can get home in one hour rather than nine," added Zamora.
