England coach Fabio Capello says he won't shut the door on Scott Parker if he remains in the Championship with West Ham United.
After spending so long on the outside of England gatherings, it seemed odd Capello should assure Parker he would not be dumped, even if he fails to secure a move away from Upton Park before the transfer window closes.
However, Capello does feel it would be better for the 30-year-old if he remained a top-flight player.
"If I find a really good player in the Championship I will pick him. Why not?" said Capello.
"Parker is one of the players who can play with the national team.
"He is part of the group. If he is fit, he will be okay and stay with us but I hope for him and for me he will play in the Premier League."
Nevertheless, Capello intends to watch Parker in person, possibly the home game against Leeds on August 21, just to check for himself the standard is high enough in an attritional league.
"They play more games than the Premier League," said Capello.
"I will go to West Ham for the next Sunday match, to see the games and check everything.
"It is important for him to play in the Premier League but I know he is really serious. He is a focused guy."
