Gianfranco Zola: Benni McCarthy and Carlton Cole can be West Ham's Dwight Yorke and Andrew Cole

Hammers boss excited by new striker partnership...

31 Jan 2010 20:32:00

By Edward Pearce

More On :  West Ham, Carlton Cole, Benni McCarthy, Gianfranco Zola
CC: Benni McCarthy, Blackburn Rovers - Peterborough United (Getty Images)
Gianfranco Zola wants Benni McCarthy and Carlton Cole to do for West Ham United what Dwight Yorke and Andrew Cole once did for Manchester United.
Don't Miss

The Hammers boss believes prospective signing McCarthy's goalscoring class and veteran's experience can help the 32-year-old form a productive partnership with Cole to haul the east end side up the table.

The South African is on the verge of signing from Blackburn Rovers as he seeks to win a place in the Rainbow Nation's side ahead of the World Cup in his homeland this summer.

The two clubs met at Upton Park on Saturday, with a goalless draw aptly demonstrating the home side's need for extra firepower in their Premier League survival campaign.

"I think it will be a good partnership because Cole is strong and skilful as well, so I think they will find a good combination," Zola said, according to the Press Association.

"I think there are similarities [with Yorke and Andy Cole].

"Obviously you are comparing them to a very good and established couple, but I think if they work together and help each other they can really be a big asset for us.

"It will be a big help for Carlton as well because it is going to give him the opportunity to be more relaxed.

"Also the opposition will not only have to look after one player, they have to look after two players and that is a big thing."

"I have seen partnerships like that develop.

"It is a kind of understanding that you can see straight away whether it clicks or not, so, if it really works, it's not going to be long."

Zola insists it is not a gamble bringing a 32-year-old into the squad.

He added: "We are already a very young team, so I think it is not wrong that we bring in somebody with the experience, football knowledge and also goals.

"Benni has got quality in the final third, which is what I am looking for.

"He has got goals in his bag and that is what I need right now and that is what I am going to be asking him to produce for us."

West Ham had initially braced themselves for a tough January, with financial issues expected to force the sale of key players at a crucial time, but the recent takeover by former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan has changed circumstances for the better.

The Hammers could be due for a fine run - Birmingham embarked on a terrific run of results following the announcement of their new owner last autumn even without any new signings on the pitch.

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory

    Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused

  3. In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012 In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012

    The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament

  4. The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution

    The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market

  5. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday