Parker has not won over the Toon Army as he expected. And judging by the comments I heard in Sam Jacks in Newcastle prior to the Chelsea game there was not one fan willing to fight his corner.He has picked up the nickname "The Ballet Dancer" for the way he gets the ball then does a pirouette before moving forward, immediately giving the opposition time to get on his case.
Parker: "I'm still not training properly yet but with the game being on Monday it gives me a couple of extra days. I'm hoping to play but if I don't make it I will be back before the end of the season.
"It's been a stop-start season for me. It has not been the most flowing. I've had big injuries before, like my broken foot at Chelsea, but this has been more frustrating. They've only been little things but they make you lose your rhythm. It all started in pre-season with a calf strain - it's been rubbish in that respect.
"I suppose it's been like Newcastle United's season. Whenever I've been getting back to my best there has been another injury, but that's the way it goes sometimes."