Cole eyes World Cup spot

09 October 2009 16:09
Carlton Cole has admitted he is far from the finished article as he looks to guarantee himself a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup. The West Ham striker has been rewarded for his fine form this term, four goals from seven Premier League games, by being selected for England's final qualifying games against Ukraine and Belarus. However the 25-year-old failed to make the bench for the last qualifier against Croatia despite receiving a call-up to the squad and is aware he has work to do if he is book his place on the plane to South Africa next summer. The former Chelsea youngster is keen to improve his game and keep knocking on the door so he remains in the forefront of Capello's mind. "I always say I am far from the finished article and have got to keep working on my game," he told the club's official website. "I know what I have to do and what I have to improve on. I have been trying to improve all the time. "It is important for me to play for my country and if selected will give 100 per cent. That is what I am there to do and if I can, make a contribution. "I just want to keep going from strength to strength for both West Ham and England. It is a case of one step at a time. "I have a lot of hope that I can make the World Cup, but I know I have to keep plugging away and knocking on the door." Cole has been for the tipped for the top ever since he came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge but it has only been in the past two seasons that his promise has begun to shine through and the frontman says he has made a conscious effort to change his ways off the pitch. "I have made changes to my background life that has helped me and I have made changes to what I do and how I do things on the field," he added. "I am just looking to get better and better. Hopefully if I can keep working hard I will reach the levels I want to get to."

Source: SKY_Sports