WEST HAM striker Carlton Cole is keen to fight his way back into contention for club and country after making his comeback in the defeat to Everton following 11 games on the sidelines with injury.

Cole was struck down in his pomp by a groin injury during England's 4-0 win over Slovakia at the end of March, causing him to miss the majority of West Ham's end-of-season assault for a Europa League place, which ended in disappointment with Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Goodison Park.

The 25-year-old forward insists he has been thrust into action 'four weeks' early, although he is eager to build on the progress he made earlier on in the season.

“Obviously, I’ve only had three training sessions with the team, which is not ideal,” he said. “I would have liked to have had a full week’s training and missed the first game and then have another week in training and be fully involved next week.

“It was kind of a rush getting me back fit, I'm four weeks ahead of schedule.

“It has been a massive disappointment. Just when I thought I was finding my feet, scoring goals, doing well for the team and getting England call-ups. It was a massive set-back and it was as if I had to start again, but hopefully I can progress from that, take the experience of being injured, because I’m not usually injured, and try and get back to my form next season and push on for the team.”

Cole's untimely injury has been the only blemish on what has otherwise been a remarkable season, and undoubtedly the best of his career.

After starting the season on the bench, Cole has flourished under former Chelsea team-mate and new boss Gianfranco Zola, leading the line with distinction and proving himself to be a real handful for defenders.

His exceptional hold-up play and newly-discovered knack for finding the net saw him earn a place in Fabio Capello's squad, making his debut for his country in the 2-0 defeat to Spain back in February.

His return to action, coupled with Dean Ashton's comeback in time for next season, will give Zola a huge boost as he seeks to turn the Hammers into a European force.

The two battering rams have plenty in common, leading some pundits in the game to suggest they are incapable of playing together, although Cole disagrees.

“I don’t see why not,” he responded. “We did it (played together) at under-21 level. I’ve grown up as a player this year, Deano is a great player and we have got good players around us pushing us.

“We’ve got a good unit, the manager knows what he is doing trying to mix youth with experience so hopefully we can push on next season.”