Fulham midfielder Scott Parker has insisted that he has a strong interest in helping to develop the talent of the young players at the club as he is in the latter stages of his playing career.
Parker said that he knows from experience that being a professional footballer takes more than just talent to succeed and he would be looking to pass on his knowledge to the club's academy prospects.
"I'm coming to a stage of my career where I've started to enjoy that side of things," Parker told the club's official website. "I've always tried to follow the young players of the club I've been playing for, as they're the future if you like. If I can help in any way, then I will because I remember how difficult it can be at that age.
"When I made my breakthrough the game was very different, it was more old school and the senior pros tended to keep themselves in their own groups. It was hard, because you didn't always feel part of things. You either buckled or stood up, and I had to fight my way through.
"My biggest advice for the boys that are emerging now would be to understand that to be a footballer isn't solely about talent. Of course, you need that natural ability, but it can be a rocky road of emotions. You need to be strong physically and mentally."
Parker's Fulham are currently rock bottom of the Premier League.
Matt Domm
