Carlton Cole Declares Himself Fit For West Ham Return Against Manchester City

Carlton Cole has declared himself fit to make his second debut for West Ham United against Manchester City.

The 28-year-old signed a three month deal with the Hammers after gradually improving his fitness levels with the club over the last month, having initially parted ways with the club during the summer.

Having proved his fitness to Sam Allardyce in a behind closed doors friendly against Charlton Athletic during the international break, Cole believes he is ready to make his return for the club against Manuel Pellegrini's side in what would be his first appearance at Upton Park since January.

"I'm available for selection," Cole told West Ham TV. "I'll train all week with the team and then it's just up to the manager to see what he wants to do. Hopefully I will make the bench and take it from there."

West Ham get back to Premier League action still buoyed by their emphatic 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. With Andy Carroll still a long term absentee Allardyce opted to use Ricardo Vaz Te up front ahead of Mladen Petric and Modibo Maiga in an interchangeable forward line that worked wonders against a shell-shocked Spurs.

Cole's return gives the West Ham boss a more conventional striking option, and the former Chelsea man is eager to give his manager and his teammates a physical outlet at the forefront of attack.

"Obviously I take pride in playing up there alone and helping the team to try and get results," Cole continued. "That's what I'm going to try and do.

"It's no secret how I play. I'm obviously very physical and try to be a presence up front and impose myself on defenders, create space and nick a few goals as well. I hope I can do that up until Christmas and see where that gets me."

After working with the Hammers' strength and conditioning coach Mathew Monte-Columbo over the past weeks, Cole is hopeful his second spell with the club can continue beyond his current contract, which expires in January.

"If I'm doing the business and doing well and making a difference in the team, we are in good shape and the manager and the chairman want to keep me on, I'll always be available and hopefully we can crack on after that."