Cole targets Euro spot

Striker hoping Hammers can push on in next few months

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st January 2008

carlton cole west ham united

Cole: Happy Hammer

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Carlton Cole believes that West Ham have enough quality in their squad to claim a European place this season.

The Hammers currently sit tenth in the Premier League, six points adrift of a Uefa Cup spot but with a game in hand over a number of the sides just above them.

Alan Curbishley's team were disappointed not to pick up all three points against Manchester City on Sunday after a highly disputed leveller from Darius Vassell in a 1-1 draw, but they have now lost just three times in their last 14 league games and have a number of key players still to return from injury.

Cole hopes that the confidence emanating amongst the squad after such a consistent run of form will provide the ideal catalyst for them to now break into the top six.

Deserved win

"I really believe we're confident enough to push on now," he told the London Evening Standard.

"We're in 10th spot at the moment, but we're only a couple of wins away from the top six and, if we had got the win we deserved against City, we would have been even closer."

More relaxed

Cole grabbed his fourth goal of the season in the stalemate at the City of Manchester Stadium and has admitted that he is happier now than he has been for a long time.

"I'm more relaxed than at any time so far," he said.

"The manager has faith in me and he's known what I can do since he took me to Charlton on loan as a youngster.

"I'm getting a real run of games now for the first time and it's great to have a real opportunity to show what I can do, not only for the team but for myself."

Freshen up

West Ham boss Curbishley shares Cole's belief that as long as the Hammers do not suffer anymore major injuries over the next few months then they look well equipped to challenge for a European place.

"For us the run-in starts now. We have to try and catch the teams just above us in the Premier League table," he said.

"But we are getting a few players back now to freshen it up and if we stay as committed as we did against City, then I like to think we could finish in the top eight."