Curbs hails 'hard working' Cole
Carlton Cole has started just 13 times since signing for West Ham
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Wednesday, 31, Oct 2007 08:58
West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley has said Carlton Cole's winning strike against Coventry City last night was no less than he deserves.
The former Chelsea youngster and England under-21 international, who joined the Hammers last year, netted three minutes into injury time at the Ricoh Arena for a 2-1 win to send the Premier League side into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.
The Sky Blues had earlier taken the lead through Jay Tabb's header after 68 minutes but a deflected Luis Boa Morte shot three minutes later levelled the scores.
And Curbishley was left indebted to Cole, whose late winner prevented the need for extra time and penalties.
"Carlton worked so hard tonight and deserved his goal," the Hammers boss said afterwards.
"He has had a difficult time and needs a run of games, which I hope to be able to give him. The goals will give him that bit of confidence and I hope he carries on scoring."
After a promising start to his career, Cole was left somewhat out in the cold at Stamford Bridge as he struggled to break into the first team in what was a highly-competitive squad.
And Curbishley said the 23-year-old's patience in waiting for his opportunity at Upton Park was an admirable quality and one that he thinks can take him far.
"He has had to wait for his chance and he is now grabbing it," the coach added.
"But he is there now, he has got his chance."