Robert Lee has backed Scott Parker to bounce back from the disappointment of missing out on the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad.
The two-times Hammer of the Year was one of seven players left out of the final 23-man selection after being named in the provisional squad. Former West Ham United midfielder Lee, who played at the 1998 finals, said he was not surprised at Parker's exclusion, especially after Gareth Barry proved his fitness to the England manager.
"He [Fabio Capello] felt Gareth Barry was worth waiting for," said Lee. "He has done very well for Capello and he rates him very highly. I am not surprised about Scott as he came in very late. He is only in his late 20s, though, and still has a chance with England
"He did marvellously [this season] for West Ham. He single-handedly kept them in the Premier League and the fans would agree with that. He was a very late admission and the fact he didn't play in the last two warm-up games meant the writing was on the wall for him."
Lee, who scored twice in 21 appearances for his country and played for his beloved Hammers in the 2003/04 campaign, was also delighted to see Academy graduate Joe Cole make the cut.
However, he felt the tricky midfielder was always going to be on the plane. "I don't think there was any doubt about Joe Cole going. He is a fantastic player.
"He has done very well at the end of the season. He always does well for England. In these sorts of tournaments you need players who can beat players and Joe Cole is someone who can do that. It is a very well balanced squad and I think we have a great chance."