Parker maintains patient stance

Career stats: Scott Parker

Scott Parker says he has not seriously thought of leaving Chelsea, despite a struggle to break into the first team.

Parker was a substitute in the win over Manchester United on the first day of the season but did not play again until Wednesday's game with CSKA Moscow.

The midfielder made his first start against Blackburn on Saturday and said: "It was difficult but leaving never really came into my mind.

"I've surprised myself how professional I've been over the last few weeks."

Match report: Chelsea 4-0 Blackburn

He added: "Any footballer is the same. When you're not involved you feel distanced from it all and at times I was.

"There were times when I wasn't even getting changed or in the squad. I was sitting at home on a Saturday at three o'clock."

I feel I am at a club where I can really make it Scott Parker

Parker may have spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines but has refused to criticise manager Jose Mourinho.

"I think the manager has been fair," he said. "At the beginning of the season I spoke a lot with the boss and he told me what he wanted from me and what he expected of me.

"He told me to keep working hard, believe in him and I will get my chance.

"In the last few weeks we haven't really spoken but I read a quote the other day where he said: 'I don't need to speak with him because what he does on the training pitch is enough for me'.

"I felt the same way. I felt that all I can do is impress him on the training pitch and I've really been doing that in the last few months.

"I feel I am at a club where I can really make it. I'm at a big club. The owner Roman Abramovich will make it a big club and I want to be part of it."