Parker warns Fulham youngsters of learning curve

Captain Scott Parker has told Fulham’s youngsters to expect a steep learning curve during pre-season – but says he will help them bed into first-team football.

The Whites squad currently training and playing in Ireland includes a number of academy graduates, with 18-year-old Stevie Humphrys scoring twice against both Cobh Ramblers and Cork City.

Parker said he had been impressed by the attitude of the young players but admitted they would notice a big step up in intensity with the first team.

He told Fulham’s official website: “The demands are a little bit higher, a little bit more is expected of them, and you can’t get caught up in a comfort zone. At times it is going to be demanding for these boys.

“When you come into a first-team environment, if you’re not on it just for five minutes, people are going to get at you.

“But on the other hand, when you let them know when they’re doing well then obviously that helps them as well.

“It’s all new for the young boys so I try and help them whenever I can, try and make them feel at ease, and the same really with the new signings coming in.

“The young lads have done brilliantly and the new boys who have come away have been first class.”