Carlton Cole gunning for goals against Burnley (From Thurrock Gazette)

Carlton Cole gunning for goals against Burnley

10:16am Friday 5th February 2010

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West Ham striker Carlton Cole is gunning for goals against Burnley tomorrow after being injured against the Clarets earlier this season.

The England front-runner is hoping to settle his unfinished business Turf Moore tomorrow as the Irons chase a first win under new owners David Gold and David Sullivan.

Hammers’ leading scorer netted his seventh goal of the Premier season in the 5-3 home win over Burnley on November 28 but went off with a knee injury shortly after scoring from the penalty spot.

Cole played as a substitute against Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers last month but will be hoping to be in the starting line-up against Burnley.

“I’ve got unfinished business with them because I got injured in the home game,” Cole said.

“Hopefully I can stay away from injury this time and notch another goal against them.”

Cole, 26, could be lining up alongside new West Ham signing Benni McCarthy for the first time tomorrow.

The South African striker arrived at Upton Park this week as the Hammers sought to boost their striking options.

Gianfranco Zola has been fielding teenage attacker Frank Nouble up front while Cole has been out and the former Chelsea frontman is relishing working with both strikers.

“I’m looking forward to playing with Benni. I’m very happy that he’s joined us and it can only be good for the club,” said Cole.

“He’s a quality player and very experienced as well.

“For me, as well, I can learn from him and pick his brains about how he does things.

“Frank is doing well. It’s hard to play the lone role up front and people forget that Frank is only 18 because he’s built like a bulldozer. He’s still trying to learn his game and learn about his body and how to use it.”

Brian Laws believes the work starts now for Burnley after a hectic couple of weeks since his appointment as manager.

After succeeding Owen Coyle at Turf Moor on January 13, Laws has had just two weeks to assess the players at his disposal and bring in new signings before the close of the transfer window, as well as assembling his backroom staff.

Laws sees tomorrow’s game as the perfect time to start building some momentum in the club’s bid for survival.

“This game is a six-pointer, a big game for both football clubs,” he said. “West Ham won't want to lose it, we want to win it and I think it has all the ingredients to be an exciting game."

l Hammers’ visit to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United has been set for Tuesday, February 23, with an 8pm kick-off.

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