Parker came through the ranks at Charlton to establish himself as an important member of the first team squad. Technically gifted and an extremely good passer, he is a graduate of the FA's National School of Excellence.

The midfielder joined First Division Norwich City on loan at the end of October 2000 after playing only a handful of first team games in the early part of the season at The Valley. He went on to play six games for the Canaries, with his only goal coming in a 3-2 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

The 2001/02 season saw Parker really become a true star for Charlton. England honours would follow, representing his country at the European Under-21 Championships in Switzerland in May 2002.

He was one of the few unused players in the full England side's match against Australia in February 2003.

By the start of the 2003/04 campaign, he was becoming noticed by the big clubs.

Chelsea, backed by the millions of Roman Abramovich, launched an unsuccessful £5million bid for the player. When that move fell through, Parker committed himself to a new five-year deal at The Valley. Although it had become clear that Parker was desperate for a move to Stamford Bridge.

The star's vibrant box-to-box displays had won many admirers. And his ability to score spectacularly from outside the area also caught the eye.

Chelsea moved in for the player again when the transfer window re-opened in January, and despite Charlton's desperate attempts to keep hold of him, he made it abundantly clear he wanted the switch. Chelsea paid a total of £10million. He played 145 games for the Addicks, scoring ten goals.

He made his Chelsea debut in a 3-2 win at Blackburn Rovers, and scored in his next game against Portsmouth.

Parker looked a good acquisition for Chelsea in the remainder of the season, and just missed the cut for England's squad for Euro 2004.

He struggled to make an impact in 2004/05 as injuries took their toll. He featured only 11 times that term before a foot injury effectively ended his Blues career in mid-December.

Parker played just 28 games for Chelsea, scoring one goal.

A host of clubs were desperate for his signature in the summer of 2005, but it was Newcastle United who won his signature in a deal worth £6.5million.

Parker's start to his Newcastle career was impressive and his performances earned him a recall to the England squad after an absence of more than two years.

But it turned sour for Parker in 2006/07 as he was made a scapegoat for Newcastle's poor season and he opted to leave the club in the summer, moving back to London to join West Ham in a £7million deal.

He made his Hammers bow in a 1-0 League Cup victory against Plymouth Argyle after missing the start of the campaign with a knee injury. He was then crocked in his next appearance against Arsenal which sidelined him for two months. And he missed another two-and-a-half months after Christmas to further frustrate him in his debut season.

Parker enjoyed a good end to the 2007/08 season to suggest he has much more to offer the Hammers.

Indeed, in the following campaign he continued to shine for West Ham, and was named Hammer of the Year as reward for his displays, landing the honour once more a year later after he scored a vital goal that helped the Hammer.

That summer he was subject of interest from Tottenham but a move failed to materialise. And he again performed impressively at Upton Park, praised for a reportedly rousing half-time speech when the team were losing. His performances saw him named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.

Yet he could not save West Ham from relegation, and, after their demotion, Tottenham reignited their interest and swooped late for his services.

On an international level, Parker has been a late bloomer, after a first England cap in 2003 was followed by a second outing in 2006. It was only in 2011 that Parker began to establish himself on the international stage, with manager Fabio Capello applauding his qualities.

Strengths: Parker boasts a remarkable engine. His never-say-die attitude marries psychological qualities with physiological stamina. He technique is decent, the midfielder tidy in possession and capable of accurate shooting from distance.

Weaknesses: It could be suggested that Parker's commitment can sometimes blur into the over-zealous. Furthermore, his, albeit restricted, struggles at Chelsea indicated a lack of ability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck and shine for the 'big boys'.

Career high: Being named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 2011.

Career low: Suffering relegation with West Ham in the 2010-11 season.

Style: Box-to-box, tenacious, never-say-die.

Quotes: "We were diabolical but at half-time Scott was inspirational. Scott was in the zone - I've never seen him like that. If you were there you would have had a tear in your eye." Carlton Cole on Parker's half-time speech against West Brom.

Trivia: As a 13-year-old, Parker appeared in a British television advert for McDonald's as part of the 1994 FIFA World Cup campaign, in which he did some keepie uppies in his back garden.