Carlton Cole raring to go after re-joining West Ham United

Carlton Cole admits he cannot wait to line up for West Ham United again after rejoining the east London club.

The 30-year-old striker left the club earlier this summer but has returned to Upton Park on a three-month deal, with a view to extending it in January.

“I’m in an excellent mood, am happy to be back and can’t wait to get working with the lads again and start my season off,” Cole told West Ham TV.

“I’ve been working hard with the strength and conditioning coach Mathew Monte-Colombo in the gym and he’s been really hands-on with me to get me up to standard to train with the team and get my match-fitness up as quickly as possible with a view to signing.

“I feel fit and raring to go and it’s time to start knocking on the manager’s door to get some games under my belt.”

Cole, who will wear the No24 shirt, first joined the Hammers back in 2006 and has played nearly 250 games for the club.

He added: “I’m definitely excited because there are top-class players here and it’s good to be playing and stable in the Premier League and looking to progress and do better than last season.

“We’ve got the players to do that and hopefully I can be a part of it.”