Carlton Cole has welcomed the competition from new West Ham United teammate Andy Carroll.

The Liverpool striker's loan arrival has put Cole's playing chances in doubt.

But he told whufc.com: "Every year, you have to have people challenging for places because it is healthy for the club.

"I'm a guy who believes in that and you could get complacent if you know you are going to play week in, week out.

"It's better to always be on your toes and I welcome a challenge like Andy Carroll because he is one of the best target men around in the Premier League and it's just going to reinvigorate me to be a better player."