Fabio Capello has revealed that he will continue to pick Scott Parker for England if he remains at West Ham.
The England manager, who has included Parker and team mate Rob Green in his squad for Wednesday night's friendly against Holland dispelled suggestions from some quarters - including, notably, the Boleyn Ground boardroom - that Parker's international career would be put on hold should he remain at West Ham and play in the Championship.Ideally, stressed Capello, Parker would be playing in the top flight - although with limited alternative options, the England boss was careful not to fully exclude the midfielder.
"If he does not move then that is not my problem. He is one who can play with the national team," Capello told reporters. "He is part of the group. If he is fit, he will be okay to stay with us. I will continue picking him. If I find a really good player in the Championship, I will pick him.
"I hope for him and for me he will play in the Premier League. It is important Scott plays in the Premier League. He is a focused guy - but they play more games [in the Championship] than the Premier League."
Parker is set to start for West Ham against Cardiff at the Boleyn Ground this lunchtime.
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
