Carlton Cole nearing West Ham return

25 January 2010 20:02
Striker Carlton Cole has revealed he is fit and ready to make his return to the West Ham United squad following a two-month injury absence.

The England striker has been sidelined since late November with a knee ligament problem.

However, the Hammers' seven-goal leading scorer could be on the bench for Tuesday's trip to fellow Premier League strugglers Portsmouth.

"I had a good pre-season which has given me a good base, so I just need to keep building on everything now and get match sharp," he told the club's official website.

"I am looking forward to getting back out there on the pitch and trying to make sure I am explosive for West Ham. I want to make a difference for the team when I get called upon.

"We have a run of matches coming up which we believe we can get results from.

"With hopefully a full squad to choose from, we can get results in these games. We are feeling positive, we want to get as many points on the board as possible."

Meanwhile, Cole has spoken of his delight at the stability that has been brought to the ailing club following the arrival of new co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold last week.

He added: "It is good for everyone, the players and the manager and the fans as well.

"All of us can now just concentrate and build on what we have got here already.

"The first thing is to get up the table but it is important also that we go on to realise the true potential we have and we should have help coming with a few acquisitions to the squad."

Source: DSG