Cole Continues

Last updated : 08 April 2002 By Mike Reich
Cole: Gotta beat Spurs
Joe Cole was also substituted due to injury on Saturday, but it isn't that serious according to Glenn.

"Joe suffered a slight crack to the bone in his finger and it caused him a lot of pain. But I do not think it is something which will keep him out of action."

Indeed, club doctor Ges Steinbergs agreed with that on the club's site: "He has a small fracture, a little chip to the bone, but he will be able to continue performing."

Joe should therefore be able to return to action in order to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday - a side which Joe is keen to finish higher than.

"It doesn't mean anything if we are not above them next week, that is the main thing. Our away form hasn't been good although we have been on fire at home so we are looking, with three tricky away games to go, to pick up as many away points as we can.

"We are seventh, we are not concerned about who exactly is below us, but it was a great day's work and to get above any team is great; we are looking up rather than over our shoulders, and we are trying for that sixth spot, although we know it will be difficult."

Joe is keen to point out that the resurgence in the Hammers form is down to two factors. Primarily the fact that Glenn is a good manager, and secondly the fact that key players have returned for the Hammers - something that is especially important when the squad is so small.

"Glenn is a good manager and the table doesn't lie; we have a small squad, we have had injuries all through the season such as me, Michael, and Fredi. I think he has done a great job - a lot of people were knocking him who didn't know him or what he can do, but he is proving at the moment that he can organise the team well.

"I couldn't put my finger on it but I think we are defending well as a team, catching teams on the break maybe, and when Fredi plays well we seem to do the business.

"I am not at all surprised where we are, though; we have got Trevor, Michael, Lomy, and me in midfield, who have all played international football - so we should be where we are. And a lot of people forget that in the early part of the season we were carrying injuries."

About the injury itself, Joe tried to ignore it whilst playing, but it's not always easy. "I thought I played well in the first half but in the second I broke a finger, possibly two, and that makes it difficult to play because you are not confident about falling over or someone pulling you back."