Parker nearer to debut
12 Sep 2007 - 09:23:10
West Ham United's summer signing Scott Parker is close to a first-team debut after featuring in a midweek friendly against Colchester United.
The 26-year-old England midfielder has yet to appear for the Irons since his £7million switch from Newcastle United, but could be in line to face Middlesbrough at the weekend.
Parker lasted 80 minutes of the clash with the U's, having suffered a knee injury in pre-season training with the Hammers to hold up his start to life at Upton Park.
Meanwhile, Hammers central defender James Collins has ruled out a loan move away from Upton Park to gain regular first-team action.
He said while on international duty with Wales: "I am not interested in a loan at the moment, I want to prove myself at West Ham and win my place back.
"I was in the side that avoided relegation and just wanted to start this season the way the last one had ended, but I picked up a calf injury right at the beginning of pre-season training and it has held me back."
Collins has featured only once for Alan Curbishley's side this term, as a substitute in the Carling Cup victory at Bristol Rovers.
