http://www.chelseafc.com/player.asp?plid=1411

PLAYER PROFILES

Scott Parker


     Last year's big mid-season recruit at ￡10 million was expected to
relieve the demand on Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele in central
midfield. Instead Scott's energy and tough tackling was used out wide more
than anywhere else.


     He left Charlton for Chelsea in order to sample European football and
improve his England chances and although Euro 2004 passed him by, a
Champions League semi-final is now under his belt and soon after that he
was voted Young Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.


     A south Londoner by birth, Scott attended the now defunct FA School
of Excellence at Lilleshall at same time as Joe Cole and he made his
Charlton debut at 16.


     It was only after a loan to Norwich three seasons later that he truly
established himself, steadily becoming the mainstay of Charlton's midfield
and at last out-growing the memory of a famous old fast food TV advert
featuring his ball skills.


     Combative, nippy and with the ability to do damage going forward,
England recognition followed although more recent times have seen him out
of the squad.


     Unlike Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho appears to believe the
midfielder is most suited to a deep central role but with Claude Makelele
beginning the season in flying form, the eight years younger Scott had
wait patiently for his chance.


     Unfortunately as his involvement increased with Christmas
approaching, he suffered a broken metatarsal bone in his foot and has
remained out of action well into the new year.