Such is the regard Parker is held in, he was named Football Writers' Player of the Year during a season in which West Ham were relegated. The Hammers were unable to persuade the midfielder to stay on, with his England hopes firmly in his mind, and he was sold to Tottenham late in the summer of 2011.

The former Charlton star shone out like a beacon in a disappointing West Ham side and earned wider recognition when Fabio Capello handed him his fourth England cap against Denmark in February, 2011 - his first since starting the defeat to Croatia back in 2006.

Uniquely, Parker has won his caps while playing for four different teams and it was some feat to play for his country during his time at Charlton, such was his eye-catching influence at The Valley. After a loan stint at Norwich, he pushed on with the Addicks and one performance on Boxing Day, 2003, in a 4-2 win over Chelsea sticks in the memory. It convinced the big-spending Blues to splash out £10million on him a month later but, despite securing the PFA Young Player of the Year award that season, it proved to be a poor career move.

It is fair to say he was never really needed at Stamford Bridge and, after making a mere 15 appearances, he was on the move again to Newcastle where he became captain and regained his spark and influence. A return to the capital in 2007 has enabled Parker to attract more media accolades and he will look to take his career forward with Spurs.

As somebody who graduated from Lilleshall and has represented his country at various levels, he was always earmarked for stardom and it is fair to say that Parker has matured into one of the top performers in the division in his position.

Strengths: Parker delivers 100 per cent commitment every week and this endears himself to the supporters. In one match, he tried manfully to throw himself into a challenge even though he was clearly injured - displaying remarkable bravery and dedication. A neat passer who drives forward at every opportunity, he is a natural leader and a major influence in the middle of the pitch.

Weaknesses: The spell at Chelsea leads to accusations that he can only thrive as a 'big fish in a small pond' and there is probably still a desire on his part to prove he is capable of holding down a regular place at a top club.

Career high: For somebody whose consistency is a real asset, it is difficult to pinpoint one specific moment. Winning 'Hammer of the Year' in consecutive seasons is an achievement but perhaps, even in a heavy defeat, scoring West Ham's goal of the season at Chelsea in March, 2010, must have carried great personal significance.

Career low: Being unable to help West Ham stave off relegation to the Championship in 2011.

Style: Inspirational, combative and driven, full of character.

Quotes: 'As an old player and a player who used to play in midfield, I look at players and think 'Would I have enjoyed playing against them? As much as I would've enjoyed playing against Scott, I know it would have been extremely competitive at times." Former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness, 2005.

Trivia: As a basin-fringed 13-year-old, he juggled a ball in a back garden for a McDonalds advert ahead of the 1994 World Cup in the United States.