The 30-year-old has performed imperiously in what has been a tumultuous season for the Hammers, who still languish dangerously close to the drop despite an impressive run of late. Parker has been a key catalyst in the Londoners' change in fortunes and this form has seen him return to the England set-up, including a splendid performance during last Saturday's 2-0 victory in Wales. Club boss Grant was quick to praise the England midfielder's aptitude and attitude this season and thinks he deserves wider recognition for his form. "I think, without any doubt, that he's the player of the year," he said, "I don't see any player than is better than him. "And if you also want to nominate a player who's a good example, it's good for everybody. "He's a player who always gives everything, always trains well, is always positive and always gives everything for the team. "Remember we played sometimes in the first half of the season without 10 players. All the midfielder around him and the forwards kept needing to change and he was the only one that stayed and kept us (in the fight). "If we are in a position that we can stay in the league it's because we took points in the first half of the season sometimes without 10 or 11 players. And he played and he was very good." Parker was also heralded by the former Chelsea, Portsmouth and Israel manager as one of the best players he has ever worked with. "His attitude is every good," he said. "I like it, because I think all the improvement in football and all the publicity and everything, you start when you are young because you love it and you have passion for it. "And I have the same passion even more now. But sometimes you see players who, because they have money now and they forget it, but Scotty always plays like it's his first game. He added: "I'm very pleased that this season is his best season. I always like when my players play their best when I'm around. "I think he can be even a little bit better, but he's taking the maximum from himself all the time." On Saturday Parker and his West Ham team-mates face the unenviable task of welcoming leaders Manchester United to Upton Park. The midfielder is a doubt for the clash with a knock picked up on international duty but Grant will be able to welcome back several key players for the game, including Frederic Piquionne and Robbie Keane. The latter pair missed West Ham' goalless draw a fortnight ago at Tottenham, who are reportedly one of the club's that mooting a move for Parker. While Grant admitted Parker could succeed in the Champions League at such clubs, the Israeli is not considering dismantling his side and insists he wants more players like the midfielder. "I'm think he would fit in," he added. "Out target for West Ham for the long-term is that we will have five or six players that all the top teams will want. "That is our target. At the moment we don't have it, but we will have it. "I think even today now we have players who could play in another teams, but we want more and more. "I'm very happy, for me, when you have players who can play in other teams as well.'
