Loftus heights
SCOTT PARKER believes Ruben Loftus-Cheek is turning into an “unplayable” force – and refused to rule him out of contention for a Euro spot with England this summer.
Fulham’s boss says that the silky midfielder’s rehab is quickly gathering pace at Craven Cottage following a
15-month injury nightmare. Loftus-Cheek looked to have the world at his feet following his breakthrough season at Chelsea only for a ruptured Achilles injury to hamper his progress.
The Blues agreed to loan out the central midfielder,
25, and Parker has made the England international a focal point of his squad.
He turned in an eyecatching show alongside Harrison Reed against Sheffield United last week as the Cottagers turned up the heat on those above them in the survival fight.
And Parker says that he is now showing his true worth.
He said: “When Ruben first came into the building, I sensed someone who was a little bit weary and doubting himself a little bit.
“He probably had a lot of concerns. He had been out for an extremely long amount of time and not played a lot of football.
“I’ve seen him grow and grow into the player we can all see.
“There’s still loads to come but this is a player who can take the game by the scruff of the neck and be that powerful, technically gifted midfield player.”
Parker has deployed Loftus-Cheek in an advanced role but says he could adapt to any position in his midfield.
Asked if he could be a wildcard for the European Championships this summer, he added: “I think England are well-equipped in that position but certainly he’s been in and around it.
“If things were to change with injuries then
I’m sure that he will be on their radar.”