How committed is Parker?

That has to be a nagging worry. Scotty has impressed people over the last two years because of his drive and his desire. In truth, the talent isn't that special, but the heart has appeared huge and for many, that has more than compensated. Everybody loves a trier.

But the England squad has just be announced and Parker wants to be elsewhere anyway. With his England place at risk following a distinctly average performance against Switzerland, will Parker want to "go in where it hurts" in a West Ham shirt, knowing that a serious knock could see him ruled out of the Holland game and possibly miss out on a move back to the Prem?

If Parker is anything less than 100% committed, his performance levels will drop hugely. I don't think Allardyce will dare to drop him - imagine the reaction of the natives - and I suspect that once the whistle blows, adrenaline will kick in and Parker will start charging around like a headless chicken as per usual; unless Doctor Evil has got tough with him and told him to do the bloody job he is paid to do.

£83,000 a week is a lot to pay a guy to sit and hold, but that's the job we need Scotty to do. Here's hoping he has the brains and the hunger to do it!