Cole wants to stick with Hammers

14 December 2009 16:04
The 26-year-old World Cup hopeful has been tipped with a move away from Upton Park, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham all reportedly interested.[LNB]But Cole's only target is to make a swift recovery from the knee ligament injury he suffered against Burnley a fortnight ago and help the struggling Hammers avoid the drop.[LNB]Cole told the Evening Standard: "I haven't heard anything about a move. I love West Ham. I just want to get back to playing and I can't do anything while I'm injured.[LNB]"I have to build up the muscles and do some rigorous rehab work to protect the knee and it is going to be like that for the rest of my career.[LNB]"Hopefully, I will be back some time in January. I just need to get back fit and help the Hammers."[LNB]That day cannot come soon enough for manager Gianfranco Zola, who saw West Ham slip into the relegation zone on Saturday with a 1-0 defeat at Birmingham.[LNB]Cole has scored seven goals in seven league appearances this season.[LNB]The Hammers tackle fellow strugglers Bolton tomorrow night having not won away from Upton Park since the opening day of the season.[LNB]But Cole is convinced that Zola is the man to guide West Ham to safety.[LNB]"It's natural when things are going bad that it's all doom and gloom but the manager is the best I have worked with," said Cole, who has also played under Jose Mourinho and Alan Curbishley.[LNB]"He's put faith in the players and we're trying to respond. We're just not getting the rub of the green at the moment but we're working very hard."[LNB]West Ham will be without Mark Noble, who was sent off at St Andrew's at the weekend, and they have injury doubts over Luis Jiminez and Matthew Upson.[LNB]Kieron Dyer could return to the starting side after hitting the post during an impressive appearance off the bench against Birmingham.[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk