On the other side of the coin, Parkers take on pre-season

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/july/09/parker

Pre-season training under Felix Magath has been tough but enjoyable, says Fulham midfielder Scott Parker.

The Whites are being put through their paces ahead of a new season for the first time under the German boss.

And Parker has been impressed by Magath's methods as the Whites look to start the Sky Bet Championship campaign in a positive fashion.

"Training's been really good," Parker told the official website. "It's been intense but we wouldn't expect it or want it any other way ahead of a new season.

"The gaffer is working us hard and the boys are looking sharp as a result. Everyone's raring to go.

"There are a lot of young boys in the squad so they're eager to impress and there are a few new signings as well who are looking to show what they can do.

"We want to hit the ground running. There are a lot of opportunities for everyone in the squad and that makes it a good environment for everyone."

Of the new signings, the Fulham squad have been joined in recent days by Ross McCormack, last season's top scorer in the Championship with Leeds United.

It's a capture that Parker is impressed by, with the former Tottenham Hotspur man adding: "It's a statement of intent from the Owner and the Club as we try and bounce back into the Premier League as quick as we can. That's obviously our aim this year.

"Ross had a great season last year; he scored a lot of goals in a Leeds team who weren't up near the top of the table. It's good to have him on board."

Parker and the majority of Fulham's First Team squad are currently based in Scotland as they play three pre-season friendlies north of the border.

Parker played the first half of Saturday's 3-0 win at East Fife, with Fulham taking on Rangers in a behind-closed-doors encounter at the Ibrox club's training ground on Thursday, before a date with Motherwell this weekend.

The 33-year-old, who wore the Captain's armband against the Fifers, is looking forward to the two tests against the Gers and 'Well.

"The first few pre-season games are always quite tough," he said. "You're not really looking at the performance side of it, you're just looking to add to your fitness and get up to speed as quickly as you can. But the lads did very well at East Fife.

"We have two good tests coming up against Rangers and Motherwell. Both will be tough games. Motherwell have got a Europa League game the following week so they're probably a little bit ahead of us in terms of pre-season fitness. But we'll be more than ready to give them a game."

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