Avram Grant has hailed Scott Parker after yet another star turn at the heart of the Hammers midfield.
Captain in the absence of Matthew Upson in the 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Parker demonstrated yet again why he is the two-time Hammer of the Year. Parker may have just turned 30 last Wednesday but his manager believes he is in the peak of his form and unrivalled among domestic players in the Barclays Premier League.
"If you look at the English midfielders, there are no better players than Scott Parker," said Grant of the No8. "From the start of the season, there is no doubt that he is the best English midfielder."
Parker is the only Hammers player this season to start all eight top-flight matches and both Carling Cup dates, emphasising his importance to the cause. Grant said the midfielder should also be an England regular and would back his man to be selected for the glamour friendly at home to France at Wembley on Wednesday 17 November.
Grant added: "You will need to talk to Fabio Capello to find out why he is not in the England squad. I am not the England manager but Scott deserves to be there. He is good offensively and defensively and does well with the ball.
"He's very clever and he's professional. Scott's a good guy and very positive. It would be good for the English game if he is there in the squad."