Cole could could return for Hammers

Carlton Cole could make his first start for West Ham since returning from a six-week lay-off with a groin injury when Middlesbrough travel to Upton Park on Sunday.

Cole sustained the injury playing for England against Slovakia but is pushing for a return to the starting line-up.

Danny Gabbidon (back/stomach) returned to full training this week, but Dean Ashton (ankle) and Valon Behrami (knee) will not play again before next season.

Defender James Tomkins is suspended after being sent off in the defeat against Everton last weekend.

Provisional squad: Green, Neill, Upson, Ilunga, Collison, Noble, Kovac, Stanislas, Boa Morte, Tristan, Cole, Di Michele, Spector, Kurucz, Lopez, Nsereko, Payne.