Parker next on Roman's shopping list

A transfer to a club such as Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester United would be seen as a career-enhancing move by most players, but that is not always the case. Parker is practically guaranteed a first-team place at Charlton. There are no such certainties at Chelsea.

Adding to the dilemma for players from smaller clubs in recent years is the belief that Sven-Goran Eriksson selects his squads almost exclusively from Champions League teams.

"Tord Grip watched him last week," said Curbishley. "In fact the England people have watched him a lot lately. In my opinion the quality of his game in the last two years makes him a real international prospect. In my eyes, he's a must for the England squad in Portugal."

The sight of Scott Parker (Charlton Athletic) lining up for England would be an inspiring example to players from the smaller clubs. It would show that international recognition is not restricted to players from the big clubs.

But Parker may feel that such an opportunity might not come his way if he stays at Charlton. He's 23 and like every young professional wants to do the best for himself and his family. Charlton will try to keep him but, in the end, will capitalise on their investment, much as Huddersfield capitalised on Denis Law, Scunthorpe on Kevin Keegan, West Ham on Rio Ferdinand and Charlton themselves did with Danny Mills. It was ever thus.

Lambeth-born Parker played for England at every level from schoolboy to Under-21 as he mastered his trade, first at the FA's School of Excellence at Lilleshall and then at Charlton. The result of that development was apparent in December when he scored twice in a 3-2 defeat at Southampton. Charlton are unbeaten in the Premiership since then, though they clearly missed Parker's influence in the 3-2 defeat at Gillingham in the FA Cup. "When Scott plays well we invariably play well as a team," said Curbishley. "He's almost like two players for us - tackling, passing, organising and scoring goals. He can become the complete midfielder."

We should soon know whether Eriksson agrees. He will shortly name his squads for the Euro warm-ups in Portugal and Sweden and there is every chance that Parker will figure.

Parker could also earn himself a place in the Charlton record books this year as the club's most-capped England international. He needs only four more caps to equal Chris Powell's record of five. But to do that he must stay at The Valley. And that has to be in serious doubt.