COLE READY FOR RETURN

The young midfielder is set to be named on the bench for the clash at The Valley after making a successful return to training.

Cole has been sidelined for the last two months with a troublesome foot injury and although he is desperate to start playing again he is unlikely to be risked by Hammers boss Glenn Roeder.

"I'm fit for selection, it just depends on whether the gaffer wants to put me in or not," said Cole.

"I'm gagging to play and get out there again - just to be on the bench would be brilliant.

"I can't wait to get out there but the gaffer does not want me to rush it. But I want to get out there - I'm not scared and I'll give 100%."

The 20-year-old is fearful that his lack of action may count against him in his bid to make the full England squad for next summer's World Cup.

"It has been frustrating when the lads have gone off on international duty because on a personal note I want to succeed as much as anyone," adds Cole.

"But I'm not looking at the World Cup at the moment - I just want to stay injury-free. It's frustrating for me because I haven't managed to play 20 games on the spin yet for West Ham.

"I've been around the first team for three years and haven't played 60 games yet - I haven't had a continuous run in the side."