• Euro 2012

Parker ready to leave West Ham

Scott Parker was an inspirational figure for West Ham, but could not keep them in the Premier League

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Scott Parker has dropped a broad hint that he will be moving on from West Ham, as he feels a season in the Championship would impact on his chances of securing a regular spot in the England squad.

After a lengthy spell in the international wilderness, Parker has worked his way back into the plans of England manager Fabio Capello. The midfielder has made it clear that he does not want to let the chance to represent the Three Lions at Euro 2012 pass him by and he feels he may have to move clubs to cement his place.

"Not many players do get picked from the Championship," Parker said ahead of England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland on Saturday. "That is just the way it is.

"But it is too early to say exactly what is going to happen to me on a personal level. I am sure we will see over the next couple of months. There is speculation but it is easy for me to block it out.

"If I was 22 it would probably be a different story and my mind would be elsewhere. Now I am quite experienced. I know how things work."

Parker is likely to be in the starting XI on Saturday and he is aware that he needs to continue to perform to the level that won him this season's player of the year award.

"My aim is to be there come this time next year," he said of the prospect of playing at Euro 2012. "I know there is a long way to go and things can change but if I can help in any way, that is what I will try and do.

"I never felt like quitting England. My mentality was always to work hard and force my way in.

"It was quite difficult not to be selected for the World Cup. After that I thought my chances would have been limited.

"But the Wales game was a massive chance for me. I felt if I didn't perform in that game I would not have pulled on an England shirt again.

"In football, especially at international level, when opportunities come along you have to grab them."

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