Call comes for Parker

Charlton midfielder Scott Parker was today called up to the full England squad for the friendly against Denmark on Sunday.

The 23-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Addicks this season and is regarded as the driving force behind the club’s excellent start to the season.

Charlton currently occupy fourth place thanks in no small part to the invention and industry of Parker, and his efforts have now been recognised by England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson as the Swede assesses his options for next summer’s Euro 2004 finals.

Parker’s manager at club level, Alan Curbishley, speaks very highly of the player.

He said: “Scott has been superb all season – and the two games he didn’t play, we didn’t play. That’s how important he is to us.

“I know that Mr Eriksson, Tord Grip and all the other scouts come and watch us every week – and I was hoping that Scott would get the recognition he deserves. I don’t see a better midfield player at the moment.

“He has just been so consistent, and I think he has still got a bit more in his locker. I think he can get goals as well.”

Parker first came to public attention when he was the ball-juggling star of a McDonald’s television commercial at the age of 13.

He signed professional forms with Charlton in 1997 and has improved year on year with the south-east London club.

He was included in the senior squad for the friendly against Australia in February but did not make it on to the pitch as England lost 3-1.