Joe Cole was delighted with his goal scoring return for Liverpool U21s this week against West Bromwich Albion.

Cole, satisfied with his hour-long run-out at the Academy, is desperate to force his way back into Brendan Rodgers' plans for the forthcoming senior fixtures.

"It was nice to get out there and play and I felt okay fitness-wise," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "I really enjoy coming and playing football with the younger guys.

"I think the most important thing was just getting the minutes under my belt. It's always nice to score but I think the main thing for me was really to just get through the game and test myself to see how my fitness is and how my sharpness is.

"I was happy and it's a case of onwards and upwards now and hopefully I can be available for the first team.

"Whether it's here or at Anfield, a game of football is a game of football and I really enjoyed it.

"Football has always been about joy and about passion, for me. I love playing and I couldn't be at a better club for that because Liverpool is based on passion."