Success for Cole on Lille debut

Joe Cole admits the French Ligue 1 is tough following his loan move to Lille from Liverpool.

But he is quickly finding his feet after coming off the bench and setting up a goal in their 3-1 win over Saint-Etienne on Saturday.

The former Chelsea man made his league debut with some encouraging signs on the pitch as he assisted Ludovic Obraniak for Lille’s third goal.

But, he admits there is still plenty more hard work ahead.

“I am still not at 70 per cent fitness and I still need a few games to reach my best level,” Cole told France Football.

“However, I am happy with my performance and I hope to continue helping the team.”

“I am really happy to have started playing again. France is a new experience for me, a new league, a new challenge.”

“But, I want to help Lille win trophies and help them to do their best in the league and Champions League.”

Lille’s European campaign starts on Wednesday when they welcome CSKA Moscow of Russia.