Carlton Cole insists West Ham are more than good enough to cope with the impending departure of Craig Bellamy.
Hammers striker holds no worries over partner's likely departure
Carlton Cole insists West Ham are more than good enough to cope with the impending departure of Craig Bellamy.
West Ham have reluctantly accepted a bid for the Welshman from cash-rich Manchester City, with the deal edging ever closer to completion.
Bellamy, who on hearing of interest from both City and Tottenham demanded a move from Upton Park, was not missed at the weekend as West Ham claimed an impressive 3-1 victory over Fulham.
And Cole believes such a scoreline was not a flash in the pan result, but on the contrary, a telling indictment of the talent available to Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola.
"It was not difficult to block out what's been happening with Craig. We're professionals and we get on with the job," Cole said.
"Everyone has been in a position like this before and we've had worse thrown at us.
"Craig's a professional and has his own beliefs and we're professional so we just carry on with our football.
"Last season we did well without him when he was injured and I don't see why we can't cope again. We've got good players coming in and doing a job.
"Craig has been an important player for us and he boosts our confidence when he's in the team.
"He's a great player but we just got to keep doing what we're doing."
Zola factor
West Ham have surged to eighth in the Premier League following a run of three victories in four matches.
Cole has played a key role in their recent success, firing five goals in as many games to give credence to Zola's claim he is a 'special' player.
"I'm trying to do my best to correct everything and work hard in every training session," said Cole
"I have my own personal goal target but I don't want to share that with anyone. It's coming good so I just need to keep going.
"It's not going to go to my head, I already know my temperament and I want more."
Looking upwards
With their relegation fears eased, West Ham can now push on with Cole insisting ambition is crucial to their progress.
"How far we can go depends on our players and it's all down to us really," said the former Chelsea marksman.
"The ball is in our court and we can either be content with what we've done or keep on trying to climb up the table and see where it takes us.
"Results like this are so important as Fulham were above us and now we're above them."
