Josh delight at done deal

FULLY FOCUSED: Josh Parker can concentrate on his football.

JET-HEELED striker Josh Parker revealed his relief at finally sealing a switch to Athletic.

The 20-year-old impressed boss Paul Dickov over the course of two trial periods in the summer, and signed a one-year deal just minutes before the deadline to register him in time for the npower League One opener against Sheffield United which the Blades won 2-0.

Parker made his Boundary Park bow as a second-half substitute.

And he got more action three days later in the Carling Cup tie against Carlisle, coming close to netting a winner for Athletic in normal time with a shot which travelled narrowly over the crossbar after replacing Filipe Morais.

The Antigua international is delighted to be on board at Boundary Park after a summer of waiting and wondering.

He said: "It is such a good feeling to get a deal confirmed because now I can concentrate purely on knuckling down and enjoying my football.

"Having been here for a long period in the summer and playing as a trialist, I enjoyed my surroundings and was keen to come on a permanent deal.

"I think it helps that all the boys are of a similar age — everyone is in their early 20s and the spirit is probably better than at most clubs. It is a tight-knit atmosphere which is definitely a good thing.

"I did not know any of the players when I arrived but I have managed to settle in almost immediately, even though it is weird being away from friends and family in London.

"Hopefully, I can make a good impression where it matters the most — on the pitch."

Parker admitted he could have ended up elsewhere this season, or stayed with Barclays Premier League new boys Queens Park Rangers, but his first choice was a move to Athletic.

He added: "Other clubs were in for me, but Athletic and Paul Dickov were the first ones to express an interest in me and I had been keen to sign for a long time.

"QPR told me I could stay and fight for my place, but at my age you just want to be playing football."

While the pacey hitman stopped short of setting targets for himself and the team, he is confident the 2011-12 campaign will be a hit.

"We are all striving to do better, and if we finish any higher in the table than last season it is an improvement," he continued.

"I usually set myself a goals target, but I haven't this time — I think I will wait until I have played a few games."