Cairney wants Parker to stay at Fulham

Tom Cairney admits Fulham players are in the dark over captain Scott Parker’s future – but says he wants the former England midfielder to stay at Craven Cottage.

Parker, 35, is out of contract this summer and boss Slavisa Jokanovic has promised an overhaul of the squad after two relegation battles.

But fellow midfielder Cairney believes Parker’s experience and know-how could help the Whites challenge at the right end of the Championship table next season.

“I’m not sure what his plans are,” Cairney said.

“Obviously from our point of view, it would be great if he stays on. The last couple of months – especially that week where we got three wins out of three – he was a big part of.

“His mental attitude on life and football is second to none. To be honest, he has driven us in the changing room.

“He’s played at the highest level, which none of us have even touched yet, so whenever he speaks, we listen – it’s as simple as that.”

Parker, who also played for Chelsea as well as Charlton, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham,  is coming towards the end of his career, which included 18 England caps.

But Cairney believes retirement should be far from his mind and he still has a role to play on the pitch.

He added: “I definitely think so. In the last few months, in a bit of a dogfight, he’s been the one who got us through it.”