Redknapp feels Taarabt has the potential to live up to the "next Zidane" tag he was given upon signing for Spurs four years ago. Taarabt, who like Zidane has northern African roots but grew up in France, arrived at Tottenham as a 17-year-old from Lens, but he failed to make an impression at the club despite the hype that surrounded his signing. The midfielder was loaned to QPR for two successive seasons before Redknapp opted to sell him to the Loftus Road club on a permanent basis for around £1million in August last year. Following his move across London, Taarabt excelled in the npower Championship, racking up 19 goals to help Neil Warnock's team achieve promotion to the Premier League. The 22-year-old has proved a controversial figure during his team at Loftus Road. He has fallen out with the club's hierarchy on a number of occasions over several issues and has regularly talked up rumours of him leaving for some of Europe's top teams. Despite the problems he has caused R's boss Warnock off the pitch, Redknapp is in no doubt about the youngster's capability on it. "He is a bit of a fruitcake but he's got amazing ability," Redknapp said. "When he came here, they called him the next Zidane. He isn't in the same league as Zidane. He (Zidane) was a genius. But one day Taarabt could be up there, because he's got that ability, and he could develop. "He can play anywhere, he's got that much talent, it's just whether his head is right." Redknapp only reluctantly agreed to sell Taarabt after becoming frustrated with the player for his persistent desire to show off on the pitch. The Spurs boss is convinced Taarabt will be doing all he can to show him what he missed out on on Sunday when QPR come to White Hart Lane. "It was a difficult one really with Adel," Redknapp said. "I didn't really want to get rid of him to be honest with you. "I was scared to let him go because I always felt that he could come back and haunt you, or bite you. "His skill is frightening, and he could be a great player. If his head's right then he can be brilliant. "Come Sunday, I'm sure he'll want to be brilliant again." Taarabt's conflict with QPR came to a head four weeks ago when he stormed out of Craven Cottage at half-time during the Hoops' 6-0 defeat to Fulham after being told he was about to be substituted. Warnock has admitted he would listen to offers for Taarabt after the event and Redknapp thinks the episode will hinder the club's ability to sell the star. "In the summer they were talking about big money, but let's be honest. Now you're probably not talking that sort of money are you?" Redknapp added. Spurs welcome Rangers to White Hart Lane on Sunday on the back of a six-match unbeaten run which has dragged the club from the foot of the table to fifth. A win against their neighbours will put Tottenham level on points with fourth-place Newcastle. Ledley King has an outside chance of making a comeback from his groin injury, but should the defender not be passed fit, Scott Parker will skipper the side again like he did at Blackburn last week. Parker, who signed from West Ham this summer, has arguably been Tottenham's best player this season and Redknapp has been delighted with the midfielder's efforts. Redknapp added: "He's a good foil for Luka (Modric) in midfield and the crowd love him here already. They've responded to him. "He gets after people, makes tackles and I think you need someone like that in your side. "When Ledley's not fit and Michael (Dawson) isn't fit, Scotty will certainly captain the team."
