Clint Dempsey has returned to Fulham with a point to prove according to John Arne Riise.
Dempsey, 30, is on loan from Seattle Sounders until late February and Riise believes the forward is determined to make an impact after his spell in the MLS.
Riise said: “People say when you go to America you are on your way down but you can see he is still on top of his game in training.
“He knew he was going to come back to the Premier League on loan so he has stayed fit. He did very well when he was here before, and then at Tottenham, but he is really keen to prove that he is still more than good enough. He is aggressive and knows the Premier League so he has given us a boost.”
Dempsey has failed to score in his first three games back but Riise is confident the forward will get goals to help Fulham in their bid to pull clear of the drop zone.
“He can play in any position in midfield or up front and he can give us some goals that we have been missing,” said Riise.
Fulham face Sheffield United in the FA Cup on Sunday and Rene Meulensteen is likely to rest key players with next Tuesday’s crucial trip to Swansea in mind.
