Scott Parker relishing his return to the Fulham dugout

Scott Parker is pleased to be able to return to the dugout for Fulham’s match at Tottenham in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old missed the goalless draw with Southampton on Boxing Day after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.

He returned a negative test last week but continued to self-isolate in accordance with the Government guidelines and, after another negative test at the weekend, can return for the clash at his old club Spurs.

Parker said: “I am back in. Obviously I had to self-isolate for 10 days so I’ve done that and I got a negative result again two days ago, so I’m back in with the team.

“I am pleased about that, it has been a difficult time but I’m pleased to be back and preparing for what is a big game on Wednesday against Spurs.”

Without their manager on the touchline, the Whites extended their unbeaten run to four games with a stalemate against the Saints.

It was far from a perfect situation, but measures had been put in place to cope with the scenario and Parker will return in time to face someone he worked under 15 years ago.

Jose Mourinho was his manager at Chelsea and actually sold the midfielder to Newcastle, but there is certainly no ill-feeling between the pair.

“I spent a short time with Jose and he was a fantastic coach,” Parker added.

“I see Jose like I see every other manager I am up against or my team are up against.

“The most important thing is that us as a team can go to Spurs tomorrow and try to cause them problems and put a stamp on the game. Me trying to get back at Jose? No, not at all.”

Fulham have not lost since December 5 at Manchester City but are also yet to win during the month after a string of draws.

It means that despite encouraging recent results against Liverpool and Southampton, the Craven Cottage outfit remain in the bottom three following a poor start to life back in the top flight.

Parker said: “There is no hiding, we want to try and turn some of these draws into wins but the way we are playing suggests we can definitely do that.

“Hopefully that is the next step. We took a massive leap from where we were and we have improved drastically.

“But like anything with me, I always want to get better and the team wants to get better, so can we now get some of these draws into wins?

“In this league and where we are, you have to jump quick. You don’t have time. As quickly as you improve something else, you then need to move onto the next thing.”