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29.07.10
West Ham manager Avram Grant insisted sought-after midfielder Scott Parker will remain his Hammers' heartbeat.
Tottenham on Wednesday had a bid for Parker - reportedly valued at £7million - swept angrily off the table by West Ham chairman David Sullivan.
And Grant said: "We want to plan to improve for the next few seasons and Scott Parker is a big part of this process. He is a very good player and has a good influence on the young players."
He added: "I'm sure if he was for sale that other teams would want him as well. But we are a team with ambition and we want to progress."
Grant also backed England internationals Robert Green and Matthew Upson to overcome their World Cup disappointment.
Parker played alongside Green and Upson in West Ham's 2-0 pre-season victory over MK Dons last night, secured with goals from Julien Faubert and Carlton Cole.
Green was dropped by England after his mistake gifted the United States a draw in the opening group match while Upson played in the 4-1 second-round defeat to Germany.
"Robert is a good goalkeeper. He is doing his job and he is training well," Grant said.
"Also, Matthew Upson played his first 45 minutes as well. It was good for them and for us.
"They are not children. They know disappointment is part of the game and they need to recover very quickly because they are playing for the team. What has happened has happened and we are looking forward. I have no worries at all, it was business as usual and they know that."
