Harry Redknapp is pleased with Bobby Zamora's return to fitness and can't understand why Fulham fans would give the striker a hostile reception on his return to Craven Cottage on Monday.
Zamora is an unpopular figure at his former club but Redknapp thinks the 32-year-old could be key to his side's survival hopes.
When Zamora injured his hip in November it was first feared that the Barking-born striker would miss the whole season.
But he has made a return to fitness in time to face the Cottagers - a much-needed boost for Redknapp as he targets "four or five wins" from the remaining eight games to avoid the drop.
He said: "He's fine. He's had that hip problem and then he's come back and had that ankle injury.
"Then he went to Aston Villa after having the flu all week. Thankfully the flu is gone and the ankle is heeled, and apart from a dodgy hip, he's in good shape.
"He's important to us as he holds the ball up. Going back to Fulham will be interesting for him."
One-time England international Zamora once admitted that he had fallen out of love with the game, declaring he was "not a massive football fan".
However, Redknapp will be hoping that his striker is in the right frame of mind for this vital west London derby.
The 66-year-old knows that Zamora will be subject of abuse from Fulham fans, despite helping the club enjoy one of their most successful seasons in 2010 when they reached the Europa League final, where they were defeated by Atletico Madrid.
"I don't know why he should get stick when you go back to the club where you've done so well," added Redknapp.
"I don't know the words for it really. Why do you abuse someone when they're giving you good service?
"Years ago people used to go back to old clubs and got a standing ovation but now, oh dear, oh lord, what has happened?"