Fulham defender John Paintsil happy at Fulham

John Pantsil got down on his knees to ask God to rescue him from his West Ham misery - and a divine agent duly delivered the Fulham defender to Craven Cottage.

Pantsil returns to Upton Parkon Sunday for the first time since his move west in the summer as part of the £6m package that also saw striker Bobby Zamora make the switch.

Pantsil admitted a change of West Ham boss did for his career with the Irons, limiting him to 19 appearances in two seasons.

But by playing for Ghana and catching Fulham manager Roy Hodgson's eye, the international has found a new lease of life in the Premiership.

"I am a Christian," he said, "and I asked God for his help. He decides all, and it was meant to be I came to Fulham where I am very happy.

"I enjoyed the atmosphere at West Ham, but I got injured after three games. When I got back they had a new manager and I wasn't part of his plans.

"It was important not only for me, but for Ghana I got regular Premiership football, and I now have that at Fulham."

Pantsil, who by the way is fed up to the back teeth discussing the correct spelling of his name, isn't worried if he gets the obligatory boos traditionally reserved for a player returning to his former club.

He said: "I'm more concerned that if they win they will be the only club to do the double this season over us, so far.

"I'm tired of talking about whether my name has a second 'i' in it.

"Whatever the way Fulham spell it is fine with me."