Cole set to return

Carlton Cole looks set to return to the West Ham team for tomorrow’s Carling Cup semi-final, first leg against Birmingham.

The England striker was one of several first-team players rested for the FA Cup win over Barnsley, so Scott Parker, centre-back Matthew Upson and forward Freddie Sears should also return.

Thomas Hitzlsperger has returned to training after a long-term thigh problem and he could be back in action by mid-February, but Kieron Dyer (thigh) remains out.

Provisional squad: Green, Faubert, Upson, Tomkins, Gabbidon, Sears, Parker, Noble, Boa-Morte, Cole, Piquionne, Obinna, Hines, Edgar, Nouble, Behrami, Spence, Reid, Boffin.