Harry Redknapp has defended Bobby Zamora after the striker’s early-season performances drew criticism from sections of the club’s fan-base. .

Zamora has made a sluggish start to the new campaign, and was replaced by new signing Charlie Austin for his side’s 1-1 draw at Huddersfield on Saturday.

Zamora, who joined QPR for £6 million from neighbours Fulham in January 2012, missed much of last season with a hip injury, but has insisted he is fit.

And Redknapp believes the 32-year-old is still a valuable player for the club. He said: “I don’t know why [he is criticised] because he trained fantastic pre-season and got himself fit. That’s their [the fans’] problem. He was great last Saturday.”

However, Redknapp insisted he needs four strikers at the club, and on Sunday it was confirmed that QPR have had an offer accepted for Estudiantes forward Duvan Zapata.

He added: “This is a tough league: Saturday, midweek, Saturday midweek, and I still need four strikers.”