Grant - Parker gong good for game

West Ham manager Avram Grant believes Scott Parker is a deserved winner of the Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award and feels the acknowledgement is good for football as a whole.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed the best season of his career despite featuring in a side fighting against Barclays Premier League relegation. As well as winning the FWA prize, Parker's club form saw him shortlisted for the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award and establish himself back in the England squad.

Having touted him as the Premier League's best throughout the season, Grant has again lauded the midfielder's attitude and aptitude and added the recognition of talent outside the top teams is good for the sport. "You know I think he deserves it, it is good for him, it is good for football," he said.

"Not every time you need to choose players from the top teams.

"Everybody is interested in the top teams but he did a lot for the team, a lot for football.

"He was also good in the games he played for the national team, but for us he's not just a good footballer but a good person.

"I think today everybody who is involved in football and is watching all over can see it is good to be a good footballer but it is important to be a positive person.

"And he is the second man from West Ham to win the award after Bobby Moore, which says something. Bobby Moore was one of the greatest ever."

His performances this season have led to reports numerous clubs are after his services in the summer, but Grant remains confident Parker will stay at Upton Park.

"Until the summer we have a very long time but I am very positive that Scott will stay because he knows what the future of the club is," he said. "He knows we are going to try and do things better to moved forward and he is a big part of it so I think he will stay."