West Ham manager Avram Grant has expressed his surprise at Scott Parker’s continued absence from the England national side. The Hammer’s captain hasn’t been involved with Fabio Capello’s squad since the beginning of the summer, when Parker was one of the unlucky seven players who missed out on the final World Cup squad, after making the initial 30 man group.

Parker has certainly done his best to convince the England manager that he is worthy of a recall, with a string of impressive performances for a struggling West Ham side. Parker continued his good form with another quality display in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Wolves. After the game Grant made his admiration for his captain clear saying, “I think if you look at all the English midfielders, with respect to others, there is no doubt that Scott, from the beginning of the season, has been the best midfielder. I need to talk to Capello! I am not the England manager, but I am sure that Scott deserves to be there.”

After seeing how the England midfield toiling so fruitlessly against Montenegro, Premiership betting pundits believe that Grant certainly has a point. While Steven Gerrard worked his socks off, Gareth Barry was ineffective throughout and Parker’s box to box style could have been match changing. Capello may use next month’s friendly against France to give Parker a run-out and not many could argue against his inclusion if that was the case.

After a dire start to the season, those assessing the Premier League Odds believe that West Ham’s chances of climbing the table lie mainly with Parker. While the 30 year old is still working away in the West Ham engine room, the club should stay safe this season.