Scott's better than Makelele

Graeme Souness knows Scott Parker is the midfield anchorman England are crying out for.

But he's hoping to keep it a secret from Sven-Goran Eriksson!

In the wake of the midweek drubbing by Denmark, England coach Eriksson has been told he needs to find his very own Claude Makelele.

But Souness admits he is loathe to share with Eriksson his opinion that Parker is better than Makelele . . .

For fear his summer signing will be the next Magpie to return from international duty crocked.

Souness is convinced Parker (left) - Makelele's former understudy at Chelsea - is the man to shore up the England midfield.

But instead of pushing Parker's claims to Eriksson, Souness is pressing for clubs to receive compensation for players injured while representing their country.

"I think Makelele's all right, but I think Scott Parker's got far more in his locker. He's quicker and more aggressive," said the Newcastle boss (inset).

"As for him and England, it will only be a matter of time.

"The only thing Makelele has over him at this moment is experience in playing that position, because Scott's not always played in that position.

"But you find yourself in a dilemma as a club manager today. In the past, you'd phone up international managers and say: `You've got to pick him.'

"As a club manager today, do you do that? No . . . so I say Scott's not good enough and never will be good enough to do it for England!"

But on a serious note, Souness - still seething after Parker's fellow new boy Emre tore a hamstring playing for Turkey in midweek - insists the time has come for the Premiership to strike a blow in the club v country row.

"The Premier League chairmen have to put pressure on to get clubs compensation for players injured playing for their countries," said Souness.

"That's the only way it can change. The clubs have to do it.

"I speak for everybody in football; for everybody in the Premiership; for anyone who sends players to these get-togethers."