Source: Daily_Mail
Fit-again West Ham striker Cole dreaming of return with England
Back in action: West Ham's Carlton Cole (left)[LNB]Carlton Cole hopes his comeback from injury has come just in time to secure him a World Cup berth with England.[LNB]The West Ham centre-forward enjoyed a superb start to the season, scoring seven goals in 13 Premier League starts before being sidelined for two months with a knee problem.[LNB]And Cole has now set his sights on helping the Hammers to top flight survival, and earning a World Cup call-up from Fabio Capello in the process.[LNB] 'England and the World Cup is my main dream and I would love to get back into the squad,' he said. [LNB]'I know Mr Capello has been speaking regularly with the medical staff here to assess how things are going and that is a good sign because he cares about my fitness.[LNB] 'Hopefully, by the time the next squad is announced, I will be back to where I want to be and scoring goals. If I am doing that hopefully I will stay in his thoughts.'[LNB]Gianfranco Zola's side have struggled badly for goals in Cole's absence - in the seven Premier League matches during Cole's lay-off, the Hammers managed to find the net just four times - and now find themselves in the relegation zone.[LNB]But West Ham can now boast transfer-window signings Benni McCarthy, Mido and Ilan all competing with Cole for forward places.[LNB] Cole welcomes the competition as good news for both him and his club: 'As a striker you need to be kept on your toes so that you can producethe goods regularly,' he said. [LNB] National duty: Cole has won six England caps to date[LNB]'Now we have some good strikers, allcompeting with me for a place in the team. That can only be good for meand the club.[LNB]'They are all good technical players, good with the ball. Their final pass is precise and their hold-up play is excellent. That's all you want in a striking partner. Hopefully the manager will find a way to keep us all happy.' [LNB]'I thought I did okay earlier in the season but sometimes I did feel I was too isolated up front. Now I have much more support. We have the foundation in place now but we need to start scoring the goals which will help us climb away from the danger area. [LNB]'I'm feeling much fitter now. I'm still searching for 100 per cent sharpness but that will come. I want to be firing on all cylinders before long because I still have those targets to reach.' [LNB] Chris Kirkland '100 per cent' certain to go to South Africa, claims Wigan manager Roberto MartinezCahill's World Cup dream in tatters as defender suffers mystery blood clotWest Ham players face massive wage cut to avoid financial 'Armageddon'Dyer straits! Five starts, no goals...and Kieron will cost West Ham £30million![LNB]
