Carlton Cole eager to show West Ham boss Sam Allardyce what he's missing

ALL FIRED UP: Carlton Cole is getting up to speed with the Hammers [GETTY]

Cole sealed a surprise return to West Ham a week after Big Sam's striker-less formation earned them their best win of the season at Tottenham almost two months ago.

Allardyce has stuck with the system, which has been bad news for front man Cole, who is still waiting for his second Premier League full debut for the Hammers. It could come today against Fulham.

Speaking at the launch of Need for Speed Rivals on PS4, former Chelsea star Cole said: "It's up to Sam, the tactics he wants to employ, and as a footballer you have got to respect when the manager wants to set up a certain way.

“Once I get a chance, I am going to make my presence felt on the field and make Sam know that he needs a striker”

Carlton Cole

"Once I get a chance, I am going to make my presence felt on the field and make Sam know that he needs a striker."
Gentle giant Cole insists he won't be hammering down Allardyce's door demanding a start and is happy to bide his time.
That is something he is used to now after taking a while to find a club before rejoining West Ham last month.
Cole, 30, decided against moves to the USA, Turkey and France because he wasn't ready to leave England.
Hull, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and QPR also came in for Cole, who added: "I didn't really follow them up.
"I went on holiday again, to Sierra Leone, where I do a bit of charity work.
"Then I got a call from (agent) Barry Silkman, who said, 'You know what, Carlton, I knew this was going to happen, West Ham want to take you back. Will you come back tomorrow?' Demon "I was so unprepared and went for a mini-medical and they were saying, 'We're eight weeks ahead of you!' as I hadn't had a team to do pre-season with.

KEEN: Cole is keen to show Sam Allardyce that the team really does need a striker [GETTY]

"Going to Sierra Leone was a bit irresponsible of me. And it was my fault for not keeping in tip-top shape, training like a demon and keeping up to scratch with my fitness.
"That is why it took longer to sign than it should have.
"I had to get back to fitness and West Ham said we will give you a contract once you get back there.
"I am itching to go. I just want to get the games under my belt and that is my point to prove, to show I am back."
Today's Upton Park clash with Fulham seems like the ideal time for Allardyce to hand Cole his chance.
West Ham have scored just two league goals since beating Spurs 3-0 and Fulham are Cole's favourite Premier League opposition.
He has scored six times against the Cottagers and said: "I know I have got half a chance because I have that confidence as I have been successful against them in the past."