West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Clarke welcomes Parker back

04 Nov 2009 - 11:37:04

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Assistant manager Steve Clarke believes West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker is currently playing some of the best football of his career.

Parker returns from suspension for Wednesday's vital clash with Aston Villa, and Clarke believes the former Newcastle United and Chelsea star will have a key part to play in the Upton Park encounter.

Clarke said: "It's important to have all your good players. Scott Parker's a key player for us. We've never hidden that fact. It's very good that he's back.

"It's a shame he had to miss the game against Sunderland. You don't know that but you'd like to think he'd have helped us in that second half when we had to dig in a little bit and find something. It's unfortunate that we didn't quite find enough but we got a point.

"Guillermo Franco has settled in very quickly and is playing really well. He has good experience for us. The goal will give him a boost.

"His partnership with Carlton Cole is already showing signs of promise, which is good for us."