LONDON: Fulham manager Roy Hodgson believes Bobby Zamora's dazzling goal-scoring form has been instrumental in the Cottagers' push into the top half of the English Premier League as well as into Europe. The 28-year-old striker scored his 10th goal of the season in Saturday's 3-0 shock win over Manchester United, justifying his decision to turn down a move to Hull in the summer.

His form has also left Hodgson unconcerned about his failed nine-million-pound bid to buy England striker Peter Crouch from Portsmouth before the season got underway.

"Crouch had the chance to join Fulham or Tottenham and he chose them. That meant we were able to keep Bobby. With Bobby playing well it's not something we've missed," said Hodgson.

"When Bobby was on his way to Hull, as was being mooted at the time, it would have been much more problematic for us. Peter made his decision and we're pleased he's doing well but we've survived with the players we have."

Zamora will lead the Fulham attack against Tottenham on Saturday and at league leaders Chelsea on Monday.

Fulham will renew their Europa League campaign in February against Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk.