The Hammers were unfortunate not to leave with a victory from their
second trip to Manchester City in the space of a week, when a goal from Darius Vassell ensured Sunday's match ended all square
after Cole had netted an acrobatic overhead kick in the seventh minute.
Despite all of their injury problems, with Dean Ashton and Matthew Etherington now added to
those in a crowded treatment room, Alan Curbishley's depleted squad continue to make progress and are in the top half of the
table on the back of only three defeats in 14 Barclays Premier League matches.
Curbishley sees no reason why his side should not be able to press the top eight- and former
England Under-21 striker Cole declared: "I really believe we're confident enough to push on now."
"We're in 10th spot at the moment- but we're only a couple of wins away from the top six and,
if we had got the win we deserved against City, we would have been even closer."
Former Chelsea forward Cole has certainly found a new lease of life with the Hammers this
season following an uncertain spell in what had been a promising early career at Stamford Bridge.
"I'm more relaxed than at any time so far," Cole said. "The manager has faith in me and he's
known what I can do since he took me to Charlton on loan as a youngster."
"I'm getting a real run of games now for the first time and it's great to have a real opportunity
to show what I can do, not only for the team but for myself."
"I've never really tested myself before, I've been a bit laid-back and not capitalised on
the opportunities I've had, but now I really feel I'm in a good place."
"I work with a sports psychologist and he's been a great help. Since I've been talking with
him I know I've looked a different player."
"Often he's just stated the obvious. Sometimes you don't realise what is right there in front
of you and you need someone from the outside looking at your game, analysing every aspect."
