Inspirational Parker has been a talismanic figure for the Hammers in their continuing battle to avoid the drop. Despite his side's lowly position the 30-year-old reckons he has played some of the best football of his career this season and even Fabio Capello has been unable to ignore his fantastic form. Parker had never been picked by the Italian until last month's friendly against Denmark but produced an impressive display when he came on as a half-time substitute. Parker, who has earned just four caps since making his England debut in 2003, said: "It has been a bit strange for me at international level. "There are times when the squads are picked I'm not in and it is disappointing. "I was involved last time. To be honest I wasn't expecting to come on because that's the way my career has gone a bit under the manager. "I got 45 minutes which I was really pleased with. It was a start for me - a stepping stone. "Hopefully I can make an impression on him more up-close and prove to him that he can give me a chance." However, the West Ham skipper's international ambitions have taken second priority behind keeping the club in the Premier League. He added: "The recognition I'm getting personally is brilliant and I take great confidence from that. "I've played the best football of my career - no doubt. "But if I'm driving home after that last game of the season and we've been relegated it's going to be the worst season."
