'I just want to do my best'

Carlton Cole will return to lead the line for West Ham United this afternoon in upbeat mood after two goals in two starts.

The Hammers No9 was one of nine changes in midweek but will be back for the vital trip to Nottingham Forest. A third straight away win at the City Ground would propel the Hammers to within a victory of top spot in the npower Championship but the home side will prove a tricky test.

New striker Sam Baldock will not be involved, meaning Cole is battling for a berth with John Carew and Frederic Piquionne. Whoever plays, the England forward believed there was a positive mentality that would serve the Hammers in good stead - despite the failure to get a win at home this season.

"Confidence is fine it is just about us trying harder," he said. "We need to dig in, train hard and pat each other on the back and say 'well done, keep it going'.

"We have a good team spirit and that will bode well for us to the end of the season. Fair enough we were disappointed against Leeds [with last weekend's draw] but we will make it up in the away game and in the next home game we will get the result we need."

Cole said he was not thinking about anything but his club, dismissing questions about being watched by Fabio Capello last week. "I am not focusing on England. I have pledged my future to West Ham and I just want to get us back up as soon as possible to the Premier League where we belong.

"I have expressed my willingness to stay here, hopefully the manager knows that and he will keep faith in me. I just want to do my best. All I have to do is keep on scoring goals."