Cole boost for Hammers

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola welcomes back England striker Carlton Cole to his squad for the vital clash with Portsmouth tonight.

Cole has been out of the side after picking up a knee injury and his presence has been sorely missed in a team which was already short up front.

Zola is unlikely to throw him straight into the starting line up for the game at Fratton Park so he may have to be content with a place on the bench but he looks certain to get a run out at some point.

The Italian has no other injury worries although Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer remain sidelined and will not play.