Parker for England?
Charlton Athletic have always been treated as nothing more than a small fish in a big pond.
The tabloids take little interest, and television is just as apathetic as to what goes on at The Valley. But the emergence of one player could change that.
Scott Parker is growing in stature with each game with his driving performances in the centre of the park pushing Charlton up to seventh in the table. It's time the former Under-21 international was given his chance with the full England side.
If players of the calibre of Gavin McCann can earn an England cap, then Parker must feel himself unlucky to have missed the boat.
Although Parker was one of the many new faces selected for the friendly against Australia in February, he was an unused substitute. Let's face it, he was unlucky not to have been used in what was a farce of a game.
With England facing Denmark in a Euro 2004 warm-up at Old Trafford on November 16, it provides the perfect opportunity to blood one of England's most exciting prospects.
Clubs like Charlton suffer badly from a lack of exposure, making it more difficult for their players to gain recognition at the top level. That is probably the reason that, until Sven Goran Eriksson came into the job with an open mind, Charlton never looked like supplying the national side with any talent.
The selection of Chris Powell in Eriksson's first squad boosted players at such less fashionable clubs. The Swede has never shied away from plucking from the Charltons and Birminghams of this world, unlike others before him. Would Eriksson have selected Matt Le Tissier from lowly Southampton? Most probably.
Boss Alan Curbishley, however, is developing something of a complex over Charlton's media image and its affect on his players: 'Scott should be in the next England squad,' he said last week. 'I have not seen a better midfield player this season than him.
'But maybe it is because of who he plays for that keeps him out, it is only little old Charlton, but I believe he should be in the squad and could certainly hold his own at that level.'
Despite making his debut for the Addicks at the age of 16 in an FA Cup tie at Bury he initially struggled to make an impact at first team level.
It wasn't until he was loaned out to Norwich City three years ago that he finally began to fulfill the promise that had shown at the FA's National School of Excellence at Lilleshall. Parker himself admits that his time at Carrow Road resurrected his career.
The Lambeth-born player return to the Valley reinvigorated with the chance to play regular first team football doing him the world of good. He then enjoyed an extended run in the Charlton side with Graham Stuart on the sidelines.
But it was skipper Mark Kinsella who ultimately paid the price for Parker's displays, with the Irishman sold to Aston Villa last summer.
Parker is now a mainstay of the Charlton side with his vibrant style, central to their formation and tactical approach. His touch is superb, as well as his reading of the game well and ability to pick out the pass.
He is currently the club's Player of the Year, BBC London Young Player of the Year and was also shortlist for the PFA's Young Player of the Year award this year. As such, it is no coincidence that Charlton have struggled when he has been unavailable this season.
But Parker somewhat unfairly attracts the attention of referees - even if he does like to get stuck in. He's not a malicious player, but has already clocked up five bookings this season and will miss the trip to Leicester City later this month.
He has already been sent off this season, for a tackle on Wolves' Kevin Cooper in August, although that red card was rescinded on appeal.
But to take the bite out of a player like Parker would remove a large part of his game. Just like Steven Gerrard, that determination can sometimes go a little over the top.
As a player who is strong in the tackle, able to run with the ball with skill and find the target, Parker could emerge as Gerrard's main competitor for an England midfield berth.
That brings us to the question of where Parker plays his football. No disrespect to Charlton, but if he really wants to push forward and become a regular for his country then he will have to move to a bigger club, one which has real potential of making Europe.
Chelsea made strides to sign Parker in the summer, but he eventually committed himself to Charlton for a further five years - showing his loyalty to Curbishley.
There is talk that boss Claudio Ranieri may make another move in January, but Parker is at a stage in his development, just like Joe Cole, when he needs to be playing first team football. Stamford Bridge may be the place to be for the world stars, but those still learning the game are better off elsewhere.
Tottenham have long been admirers of the 23-year-old, and he is just the type of player, both combative and creative, who would help to revive a Spurs midfield that is bereft of any spark. It's not what the Addicks fans want to hear, but they are going to struggle to keep hold this gem of a midfielder. Parker, incidently, also supported Tottenham as a boy.
Spurs are reported to have offered a somewhat derisory sum of £1million plus Matthew Etherington before the season began but it will take more than that to get Parker. Middlesbrough and Everton are also said to have made tentative enquiries, and there could be a scramble when the transfer window does re-open.
But, first of all, Parker should line-up against Charlton team-mate Claus Jensen at Old Trafford a week on Sunday.
