Carlton Cole has revealed he is just as happy setting goals up for others as he is at scoring them.
The 24-year-old striker may not have found the target in the 5-0 victory at Derby County but more than played his part in attack on Saturday, not least in assisting on both Lee Bowyer's goals. "I am working for my team-mates and manager and sometimes you don't get the goals you want," Cole told WHUTV. "As long as I am there to set them up and involved as much as possible I don't mind. It is as satisfying as scoring a goal when you set one up."
Despite an extended run of games, Cole knows only too well that the "top quality" likes of Dean Ashton and Craig Bellamy are close to a return. That said all the strikers are pushing each other on to success whether involved or not. "There is a good spirit," he explained. "All the forwards know that you have got to put in a shift when you are playing for West Ham or else you get found out and that is the bottom line."
The spirit of the team over the individual has been characterised throughout the squad with a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Cole added: "We have got a lot of injuries and we just went to Derby to fight and to all give our best - and it paid off in the end. It was different class by all the boys, a great effort and I am so happy that we can go into the next game with loads of confidence.
"We have got all aspects of talent in our squad and people that can play out of position to get the result we need. The boys have worked hard." Among those giving their all is Lee Bowyer, and the experienced midfielder is well placed to have the final word on his young team-mate's contribution. "Coley has set up three of my four goals this season," Bowyer said. "I am really pleased for him. He is a confidence man and his confidence is up."