Mudbath gives Fulham boss a Bullard headache

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And that has given Hodgson a real dilemma as Bullard only returned to action on Saturday after 16 months out with a knee injury when he appeared as a substitute against West Ham.

Hodgson may feel it is not worth gambling on the midfielder's fitness in such tough conditions this evening when his contribution could count for more in Saturday's important league game at home to Arsenal.

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There is no doubt, though, that Bullard's appearance would raise spirits among the team as his infectious enthusiasm is just what Fulham need right now.

Full-back Paul Konchesky said: "Jimmy coming back is like having a new signing at the club. We know how much ability he has and hopefully he will help us push on over the remainder of the season."

Konchesky is well aware of the perils that tonight's tie poses and said: "The manager has briefed us on the conditions to expect and we know it's going to be tough. But a cup run can really boost your confidence so hopefully we can get the result."

Rovers, however, believe they can upset the odds having pushed Fulham all the way in the 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage.

Danny Coles, who scored the opener in that game, said: " Fulham will take one look at our pitch and they might not fancy it. It's up to us to take advantage."

Rovers have already won the battle of the fans. The 7,000 they took to London outnumbered the home support. Now the League One club are reporting that Fulham have returned 425 of their South Stand allocation of 1,200 tickets.

Once the Cup clash is out of the way, Fulham boss Hodgson will be able to focus on trying to strengthen his squad in the transfer window. They remain linked with a bid for Marlon King even though Watford have already rejected an offer of £4million for their star striker.

Fans are concerned at the lack of new faces and Hodgson understands their frustration but has called for patience. "Transfers these days are complicated affairs," he said. "It takes time and we're working hard on our targets.

"We're quite content to take good players from any part of Europe or even outside of Europe if they match the criteria we have at the club.

"But the most important thing for me is to bring players into the club who are good enough, experienced and confident enough to take their place almost straight away in the team. It needs to be a special type of player who can do that.

"We haven't quantified it particularly in terms of money or number of players.

"We don't have that type of limitation that you may only spend this or that you can only take in this many players. That is left to our judgement.

"It's not a question of how many, it's about how good and better the ones we are going to bring in are."