By Gary Oliver and Ian Willis

SCOTT Parker says the Newcastle United fans will soon see the best of him once he regains match fitness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The former Chelsea schemer was out injured for a large chunk of last season having broken a bone in his foot during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Parker then sat out the first three Intertoto Cup games as he worked on his general fitness at the training centre in Benton, but after playing against Deportivo La Coruna in the home leg of the semi-final and then again in the friendly against Yeading, he was ready for Premiership debut against Arsenal on Sunday.

And after getting an impressive 82 minutes under his belt at Highbury, Scott is now looking forward to showing his new fans what he is capable of.

"I was really feeling it towards the end, it was a tiring game at Arsenal for all of us but my lack of matches caught up with me," Parker told Newcastle World TV.

"It'll take me a couple of games to get my fitness up to the level where it should be, but I'm not too far away from being on top of my fitness.

"I'm really looking forward to the West Ham game now. This is the game I've been waiting for since I signed for the club.

"I've been looking forward to running out in front of our own fans.

"Obviously I've played here before so I know about the atmosphere of the place, but to play with this crowd behind me will be something else.

"I can't for the game to start to be honest. It will be tough because West Ham are on a high after winning promotion then winning their first game last week.

"But I'm confident that if we can play like we did at Arsenal, then we will give our fans something to cheer."

Parker was disappointed with the result at Highbury on Sunday, but is confident that there will be plenty to shout about in the new season.

He added: "It wasn't the best result, obviously, but we can take a lot of heart from that performance at Highbury.

"Before the sending off were gradually getting on top. Arsenal were struggling to break us down and they were getting frustrated.

"The fact we can say that about a performance against a team like Arsenal is a credit to us.

"We were solid, and that is a good foundation for us to build on."

Manager Graeme Souness was delighted with the midfielder's performance at Highbury, telling Newcastle World TV: "Scott is a proper player and all of our supporters should be pleased with the signing of him because he will prove to be a great player for this club.

"He's a proper footballer in every aspect. He's everything I want in that position, he's excellent in the dressing room and on the pitch.

"We have an extremely competitive and talented midfield now. We have as good a midfield group as any in the country.

"It's a vital area of the pitch. If you are winning balls like we were at Arsenal then you will always be on the front foot - that's why we were doing so well in the first half-hour."

Don't miss Scott Parker's home Premiership debut against West Ham. Click here for details.