Cole looks to fire against Hammers

Joe Cole is hoping for another opportunity to ignite his Liverpool career against first club West Ham on Sunday.

The England midfielder has endured a frustrating season at Anfield after a high-profile free transfer from Chelsea last summer. The 29-year-old was sent off on his Barclays Premier League debut for the club in August and has since been hampered by injuries and poor form.

But manager Kenny Dalglish said: "Joe Cole coming back is a real bonus for us. It has been a stop-start season for him."

Cole had to wait until Thursday's Europa League clash with Sparta Prague for his first start under Dalglish due to a knee problem but lasted the full 90 minutes and could continue at Upton Park.

Dalglish added: "It is a great credit to him the way he finished Thursday's game - he ran almost the full length of the pitch to almost score in the last minute.

"There is not much wrong with his fitness, he just needs to get back into match practice and the lad will be OK.

"I don't think he needed to show anybody he wanted to play.

"It has been frustrating for the wee man, sent off in his first game and then he picked up two or three injuries. He never really got going.

"It's the first opportunity I've had to have him in the squad and he's a great asset to have."