Carlton Cole is delighted for Ilan after his winner for West Ham United against Sunderland.

The England striker revealed how he instructed the South American to get close to him whenever a high ball was sent his way - and was rewarded almost immediately when Manuel da Costa launched a long free-kick into the Black Cats' penalty area.

"At half-time I just gave Ilan some advice to play off my shoulder because, if the ball is played up to me in the air, anything can happen," Cole told WHUTV.

"I told him I could just knock it down and, it he was in the right place at the right time, he could notch a goal. He did it straight away. The first one that came in, he got right on to it and scored.

"I'm so happy for him. I was giving him some banter, saying he's our 'Saviour' because he's done some really good work. He's scored three goals now and I'm happy that he's done that. He's scored some important goals and I'm over the moon for him.

"I don't normally give him advice because he's an established player, but in that game, I thought he might get a bit more luck by playing off my shoulder and getting on to one of my flick-ons, and it happened.

"Obviously his English is not the best, but he does understand. He's a very smart guy and an intelligent footballer, so that's what happens when you get a good combination like that."