Carlton Cole frustrated with his injury

(GSM) – Carlton Cole has sounded out his disappointment and frustration at being sidelined with injury. As Cole looks on from the stands, other English strikers, who hope to make it in England’s World Cup squad, have the chance to impress on the pitch.

The West Ham striker is currently battling a knee injury. Cole has been tipped to make Fabio Capello’s squad. However, there will be fierce competition for the 23-man list.

The likes of Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey are almost certain to feature in England’s squad, but Cole, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, Darren Bent and even Michael Owen can only hope to fly to South Africa with the rest of the team.

Cole was in good form for Gianfranco Zola’s Hammers, scoring 7 goals in 13 Premier League games before he suffered his injury.

“It doesn’t feel good to see these guys scoring all the time,” he said in the Daily Star.

“But they’re all top players and it’s what you expect. That’s why I was so disappointed when I got injured because I knew I would be overtaken in the goal rankings.

“I’ve been trying to keep up with the likes of Defoe, Bent, Rooney and others – and to make sure I stayed in the top ten all season.

“I think I was seventh before my injury – so I know I’ve got to work hard to get the problem out the way and come back strong in the second half of the season.

“It’s been my dream to play and score at a World Cup finals since I was little kid. Hopefully, I can keep that dream alive.”

Cole is an integral part of West Ham’s squad and the sooner he returns the better for his struggling team. The Hammers are keen to perform well again in order to pull themselves away from the relegation zone.

The English striker wants to come back from injury, focus on his club career, perform well again and earn a place in Capello’s 23-man squad in the process.

“I really want to focus on West Ham,” he added.

“But, if you’re going to be injured in World Cup year, I suppose the earlier in the season it happens, the better it is.”