Fulham manager Martin Jol has admitted that his side have taken a risk by signing Pavel Pogrebnyak as Bobby Zamora's replacement, as the Russian forward is out of form.

Pogrebnyak joined The Cottagers from Stuttgart on a six-month loan deal on transfer deadline day, as Zamora was sold to London rivals QPR.

The Dutch coach is aware that his new forward represents a gamble, but is hoping that Pogrebnyak can recapture the form that saw him shoot to fame in his earlier career.

“He’s not had a great couple of years, but if he had we wouldn’t have got him," Jol told Mirror Football.

I spoke to (Russia boss) Dick ­Advocaat and (predecessor) Guus Hiddink about him and they told me he’s got 45 caps and he’s had some great spells.

“It’s a very good opportunity for him and us, but he has to prove it now," the trainer challenged.

Pogrebnyak is currently waiting for a work permit for England, and hopes to make his Premier League debut for the Craven Cottage side against Stoke on Saturday.

By Gareth McKnight

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