WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola is hopeful Carlton Cole will not be out of action for long after the striker was taken to hospital for a scan on his knee.

Cole was injured in a clash with Burnley keeper Brian Jensen during the first half of West Ham's eventful 5-3 victory at Upton Park yesterday.

The 26-year-old did pick himself up to score a penalty for the Hammers, but he was brought off at the break and sent for the scan.

“It is too early to say but hopefully it's not going to be too bad,” said Zola after the game.

Goals from Jack Collison, Junior Stanislas, Cole, Guillermo Franco and Luis Jiminez handed West Ham a seemingly unassailable 5-0 lead at the Boleyn Ground. However, three late goals, including a brace from striker Stephen Fletcher and one from the impressive Chris Eagles ensured plenty of questions will still be asked about the team's mentality when they find themselves in winning positions.