West Ham boss Alan Curbishley was full of praise for forgotten striker Carlton Cole after he struck in yesterday's 3-0 defeat of Middlesbrough.

Cole was forced on after an early injury suffered by Craig Bellamy and had a hand in all three goals.

Curbs said: "Carlton tried to ease his way into the game when he came on and you can't do that. The pace in the Premiership is too fierce. I said at half-time that we needed a quick start, especially Carlton - and he set up the first two goals. I'm pleased for him. We need people to step up to the plate."