Joe Cole insists Andy Carroll can be a star for club and country

Joe Cole believes Andy Carroll can play a major role for both West Ham and England if he can steer clear of injury until the end of the season.

Carroll made a memorable comeback for the east London club as he scored the match winner to help his side record a crucial 1-0 win over Swansea at the weekend.

The England forward was ruled out for two months with a knee injury and West Ham have managed only two victories in his absence.

But the on-loan Liverpool forward wasted no time showing his quality and is desperate to regain his best form as he looks to help West Ham challenge for a top-half finish.

And Cole has no doubts the 24-year-old can force his way back into the England squad and says he has the hunger to become one of the best forwards in the Premier League.

Cole said: "It's great to have Andy back. He was brilliant on Saturday - he got his goal and he's a massive player for us.

"He looks fit, he looks lean, he looks ready and hungry and that can only be good for West Ham and for England."