Cole issues rallying cry to West Ham teammates

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has called on the senior players to help the club through their current injury crisis and ensure they keep their promotion hopes on track.

Sam Allardyce is currently missing seven first-team players through injury, while influential skipper Kevin Nolan, George McCartney and Julien Faubert will all miss the game against Derby on Saturday through suspension.

West Ham dropped more points on Boxing Day when they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Birmingham and remain three points behind leaders Southampton.

Allardyce is now struggling to find a fit central defender to play alongside James Tomkins on Saturday, but Cole believes the established players need to help the youngsters through this troubled period and ensure they get back on the winning trail.

Cole said: "Everyone that is involved right through the squad has a part to play. The manager has to chop and change now because his hands are forced.

"We need to all come together as a team and the experienced lads have to help the young lads coming through.

"Everyone needs to pull in the same direction and help the team through troubled times with suspensions and injuries."