Cole seeks Xmas cheer

Striker hoping to end goal drought

Last updated: 22nd December 2008

Cole seeks Xmas cheer

Cole: Barren spell

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Carlton Cole is determined to end his frustrations in front of goal during the festive period.

The burly West Ham striker has failed to find the target in almost three months, with his last goal coming in a 3-1 defeat to Bolton on 5th October.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has been working with the former England U21 international in training, with the Italian coach keen to sharpen his finishing.

With Dean Ashton still someway off a first-team return, and Craig Bellamy's future at Upton Park shrouded in doubt, Cole accepts that he must begin to carry the burden of goalscoring expectation.

"My confidence is okay," he said.

"I'm getting in the right positions and now I have to execute it."

Character

Meanwhile, having seen the Hammers slip to 17th in the Premier League table on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, Matthew Upson has called on his team-mates to pull together during these difficult times for the club.

"I can't really explain how disappointing it is but we need to show a bit of resilience and character," said the centre-half.

"It's at times like this and tests like this that really show you who you are as a team and as a group of people.

"So, it's up to us to dig deep and the manager to rally and get the approach right. There's no reason why we can't get some good results."