Cole on World Cup

Last updated : 10 May 2002 By Mike Reich
Cole: Delighted
Joe Cole's dream has come true - at the tender age of twenty. He is off to the World Cup, and from the sounds of things he will have the opportunity to leave his mark on the tournament, albeit via substitute appearances.

Joe told reporters: "I am obviously delighted. I have no doubts about my ability and I am sure that I can do a job for the team if selected to play. It will be great experience for me."

Joe is quick to thank those that have helped him throughout this season, and the impact that the new manager at West Ham has had on his career.

"I would like to acknowledge the help and advice given to me by Glenn Roeder and everyone at West Ham and to family and friends for support. With this being my first World Cup it's going to be a tremendous thrill for me, and hopefully, if it goes well, the highlight of my career so far."

Paolo di Canio, a player who is never keen to hide his feelings or views, certainly agrees with Sven Goran Eriksson's decision to take the West Ham prodigy to the World Cup - and believes that Joe has the ability to impress on the biggest stage.

"I am very happy for Joe because I have seen him grow up over the last few years and he has improved a lot and I have to say in the last three months he has played very well and matured.

"He has matured because he wanted to learn and he is there on merit. He is a massively talented player and he can become one of the best because he has ability that other players do not have and you cannot compare him to other players.

"I am sure he is one of the most talented players in the world."

Praise indeed, from one of the most talented players of his generation, and Sven seems to agree with our Italian maestro:

"I have seen Joe a lot of times this season, and so have Tord and our scouts. Even though he is not that experienced, and has not played too many Premiership games, he is something special.

"He can change a game whether he starts a game or comes on as a sub, and in a squad of 23 you have to include players like him."

Finally, the player that inspired Joey to become the footballer that he is today, Paul Gascoigne, has given him the highest compliment of all: that he is better than the former England midfielder himself.

"He has got a frightening talent - I think he might be a bit better than I was. You want someone who can come on in the second-half and offer you something different and Joe can do that.

"His self-belief is unbelievable. If you've got a lot of confidence in yourself, you're halfway there."