Parker in midfield mix

Scott Parker has been training fully with the first team again after serving a one-match suspension for five cautions.

Gianfranco Zola and his staff have been working hard with Parker and the rest of the squad ahead of Sunday afternoon's visit of Arsenal. The midfielder should be in contention to face Arsenal this Sunday, and could potentially team up with Valon Behrami and Jack Collison together for the first time in seven months.

The trio are all seemingly over their respective injury troubles and looking to start a game together since 1 March, although there is plenty of competition for places. The likes of Mark Noble, Radoslav Kovac and Luis Jimenez will also be eager to impress this week.

Collison has paid tribute to the influence of Parker on his development in the first team. "For me, Scotty Parker is a great professional and someone I really enjoy learning from in training and in games," said the 21-year-old Wales midfielder. "The way he approaches everything is great for a young player like me. He is someone I really look up to and aspire to be like."

Noble, still only 23 himself, has also spoken of the positive impact Parker has had on his all-round game - describing him as "one of the best midfielders I have played with". He added: "I enjoy playing with him and I think we are on the same wavelength. I take a lot from his game and you can see the way he reads things is second to none. He is a tough player as well and you can see how many tackles he makes."

Parker's last run-out was in the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Sunday 4 October, meaning with the international break that he has sat out the last two weekends.