Parker confident ahead of Fulham's big Championship opener against relegated Newcastle

Former Magpie Parker has enjoyed a productive pre-season campaign with the Londoners, who are set to lose star man Ross McCormack to Aston Villa – after agreeing a £12million fee.

Parker has helped Fulham to some impressive displays in their friendly games, notably in last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Premier League club Crystal Palace.

“We’ve had a very good pre-season. We had two good trips away and new players coming in and integrating. We’re just looking forward to the start,” the 35-year-old told fulhamfc.com

“Results breed confidence and it becomes a habit.

“The only game we’ve lost was against Real Betis, to a penalty in the dying minutes.

“When you looked at the fixtures coming out, I don’t think there would have been a better fixture for us, you’ve got one of the title contenders coming down.

“It’s a perfect start for us. There’s a real incentive for us to go and beat a top side and give us huge confidence pushing on.”