Parker raring to go

Scott Parker is raring to go as he prepares for his Newcastle United debut against Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday.

The midfielder is looking forward to running out in the black and white stripes at St James' Park for the first time after sealing a summer move from Chelsea.

It was a disappointing 17 months at Stamford Bridge for the England hopeful, who is determined to be a key man for the Tynesiders this term.

"I just feel I'm ready now," he told Sky Sports News. "I've been training now for a long while and I've been fully competitive over the last ten days probably, so I feel I'm ready to play.

"My time at Chelsea was one of disappointment.

"I was brought up at Charlton, was there for a long time and played a lot of games.

"I come to Newcastle wanting to play a lot of games, to be a focal figure and push on really and drive the club and step onto the next step.

"It's one position [midfield] which is very competitive in there for us as a club. There are a lot of midfielders.

"I think it's good really. It keeps you on your toes.

"You need to put in good performances because there's other people to step in."

Meanwhile, fellow new boy Emre is also scheduled to play against Deportivo as United look to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg of the InterToto Cup tie in Spain.

"I'm settling in very well at Newcastle," the Turkey international informed Newcastle's official website.

"I'm very happy to be here.

"I have been made to feel very welcome by everyone at the club, and the fans have also been good to me.

"I like Newcastle and I am moving out of my hotel this week into a house so that will help me settle more as well.

"The only problem for me in Newcastle is the weather!

"In Turkey, in August, it is about 40 or 45 degrees. Here, in Newcastle, it is much colder.

"I'm sure I will get used to it though."