Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert feels Joe Cole is ready for a start.
Cole is set to make the starting XI for their clash with Harry Redknapp's QPR.
"Joe is experienced and his enthusiasm for the game is excellent. He just wants to play football," said Lambert.
"That's a rare thing now for a footballer to have enthusiasm to play games. That sums Joe up, his experience and his enthusiasm.
"Obviously Harry will know him really well but I have a good player on my hands - someone who can unlock a door.
"He's been as good as gold. We try and play at high tempo, high intensity. He's an excellent pro and has stayed behind after training, he's been really good.
"He had a thigh problem and that kept him out, then his hip. But the last few weeks he's been good.
"The No.10 role is Joe's strongest and that's where I see him. Systems are there to be adapted anyway, you can never really say you will play one way for the rest of the season anyway."
