Curbishley: Parker back soon

Alan Curbishley has confirmed that Scott Parker is set to return to first team action by the end of the month.

The midfielder is yet to play this year after sustaining an injury during the 2-1 win over Manchester United on December 29th.

However Curbishley allayed fears suggesting that Parker may be out until next season.

"Parker is about three weeks away contrary to opinions," he said.

"He's in full running and doing as well as we think he should be doing."

Paker is just one of several expensive summer signings that has barely featured for the first team this year. The former Charlton man, signed for £7m last summer has made just 10 appearances this season.

Craig Bellamy (£7.5m) has played nine times, Julien Faubert (£6m) three - all from the bench, and Kieron Dyer (£7m) hasn't made a first team appearance since last August.