Adel Taarabt was hours away from signing a money-spinning deal in Qatar – but got lucky.

Instead of taking the money and high-tailing it to the Middle East, the QPR midfielder earned a new lease of life under caretaker boss Chris Ramsey.

In truth, Taarabt waited in vain on deadline day in January's transfer window to hear back from Inter Milan where he hoped to go on loan, so by the time the offer came from clubs at the controversial hosts of the 2022 World Cup – it was too late.

It was no secret Taarabt and former boss Harry Redknapp were daggers drawn for most of the last five months.

Branded lazy and ‘three stone overweight’ by Harry, team-mate Clint Hill would beg to differ.

Less than a fortnight ago, Redknapp dismissed in four words the Moroccan international’s chances of featuring in the 3-1 defeat to Stoke.

Fast forward from ‘he is not fit’ to a decent hour against Southampton on Saturday, and on the bench for Tuesday's heartening 2-0 win at Sunderland, defender Hill insists Taarabt has flogged away in training, contrary to Harry's opinion.

“He’s showed up in training and worked hard whenever he’s needed,” the Hill added. “When he’s had to, he’s worked.

“To get the most out of him, the more he plays the better he gets.”

The question of Taarabt’s fitness launched a tirade from Redknapp when asked by GetWestLondon after a gutting 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in October.

Way to go: Clint Hill

It touched a nerve in the now departed manager that sparked three days of media frenzy, eventually doused by an admonishing missive from chairman Tony Fernandes.

Hill, Taarabt and the stricken Ali Faurlin are the last three survivors from the Championship winning Hoops of 2011, with the defender insisting the man with the silky skills can still be a massive hit in the Premier League.

“Listen, He could be whatever he wants to be,” said Hill. “People have mentioned his attitude and all that stuff. Since he’s come in, he’s done well.”

Hill also insists after Tuesday’s first points on the road this season, the route to safety is back on

“The performances showed plenty of grit and determination, and we can get out of trouble,” he added.