Parker slams ´ridiculous´ schedule

Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has bemoaned the Premier League’s schedule as he and his team-mates have to play twice in three days.

Spurs face Norwich on Monday at White Hart Lane after travelling to Sunderland on Saturday which has infuriated the 30-year-old, but he insisted it must not let it affect his side.

He told reporters: “It is ridiculous but that’s the way it is. I don’t think the rest of the world gets it, but it is absolutely shocking – we are playing in one of the quickest leagues in the world.”

“I don’t think you would ask any other sportsmen – or animals – to do this, but footballers in this country are expected to. We get all the best post-match treatment we can and just get on with it.”

Parker believes Champions League qualification is Tottenham’s to lose as they remain three points clear of Chelsea and Newcastle, but is adamant Spurs have got to keep winning to secure their spot in the top four.

“Our run-in is pretty decent and it is in our hands,” he said. “We have got to make the most of it by winning as many games as we can, starting against Norwich. That’s a tough game as they have done very well.

“A top four finish is in our hands, but it is only human nature to look at the results of those around us and hope they slip up.”

“You sit there wanting them to drop points but ultimately it is about us and winning as many games as we can.”

The England international believes the race for the Champions League will go down to the wire and feels no team can afford to drop points at this stage in the season.

“The way it is turning out, the battle for the Champions League is becoming a race between ourselves and our derby rivals and now two of my former clubs (Chelsea and Newcastle),” Parker said.

“It is going to be tight. We went to Sunderland looking to win and only managed a draw, so we are looking to bounce back in the next couple of games.

“Newcastle might say they are not Champions League (contenders), but as far as we are concerned, they are in the thick of it.

“We certainly consider them to be rivals. You wouldn’t have thought they would be in this position after we beat them 5-0 a few weeks ago, but they have gone about their business quite quietly and have been under the radar really until now.”