Cole's persistence paying off

Cole: Among the goals

Carlton Cole is delighted to see his hard work on the training ground paying dividends on the pitch.

The West Ham striker has been having special one-to-one sessions with boss Gianfranco Zola as he looks to sharpen his finishing.

The extra effort appears to be working, with the former England U21 international on target in both of the Hammers' Christmas fixtures.

The 25-year-old admits he is brimming with confidence at present, but is refusing to rest on laurels as he aims to become even more clinical in front of goal.

"The main thing for me is that we're getting results now," Cole told the club's official website.

"For me personally, I've had so many chances to score and I've managed to get two in three days. I'm chuffed but against Stoke (on Sunday) I think I should have got more.

Practice

"There were a few times when the things I have been practising in training didn't come off. I'd have got a couple more if I'd executed them right.

"Compared to last season I wasn't getting in the right positions. Now, I'm getting into the right positions and trying to execute them.

"There's a few times when I should have executed the chances but I'm working on it and hopefully I'm going to get there with the help and faith of the manager."

Cole has also expressed his gratitude towards Zola for taking the time to nurture him on an individual basis.

"Every manager has got different techniques and I'm just grateful that I've got one of the best players that ever played in the Premier League as a mentor and coach," he said.

"He wasn't my type of striker but he can teach me a few things that I can take on board. I'm just lucky to have him teaching me."