Parker: Onomah needed to leave Tottenham

Scott Parker is convinced Josh Onomah can make the most of his fresh start at Fulham.

The midfielder, 22, recently arrived from Tottenham as part of the deal which saw Ryan Sessegnon joined the north London club.

Whites boss Parker believes Onomah, who did not start a league game for Spurs, needed to move on for the good of his career.

“Josh was at a big club and his career has really stalled over the last three or four years,” Parker said.

“Probably a change is what Josh needs. He probably needs to see something else.

“What makes me excited about Josh is that change – that different voice, that different environment.

“Ability-wise I know what Josh is capable of. It’s now really about letting it drop and us all seeing what player he is.”

Onomah has Championship experience, having been on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa.

Neither spell went particularly well for him – he made just 10 league starts for Wednesday last season.

Parker said: “It’s probably been tough for him.

“When you’re on loan you never really feel settled and in the back of your mind you’re normally thinking that you’re going back to the club who ultimately own you.

“I’m glad that we’ve signed Josh and that he’s here for some time now and he can prove himself.

“The most important thing for Josh is that he’s signed a contract and this is going to be his home for the next three years.

“I feel that’s probably the most important thing he needs – to give himself a clear road and know where he’s going.

“I know what kind of player Josh is. I know where he needs to improve. I feel like if we can get him to where we need to get him to I think we’ll have some player on our hands.”

Parker, who has overseen a revamp of Fulham’s squad in the wake of last season’s relegation from the top flight, is pleased with the club’s transfer business.

On-loan Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert certainly looks likely to excite fans this season.

“He’s infectious in the sense of his emotion and his passion. It’s clear to see and any fan watching – anyone supporting your club – that’s ultimately what you want,” Parker said.

“You see that with Anthony, married with the fact that he’s a very good football player who gets people off their seats. It’s a good recipe. He’ll be vitally important for us this year.

“We’ve brought some midfielders in, which I felt we needed. We also needed some wide players and some pace in attack. I felt we got that.”