Soccer - Cole eager to start again
Midfielder Joe Cole is determined to try and kickstart his career after re-joining his first club West Ham and ending a disappointing stint with Liverpool. The 31-year-old, who has signed until the end of next season, has seen his career stall during his time at Anfield, having spent last season out on loan with French club Lille. Cole is determined to make up for lost time after heading back to Upton Park, saying: "I have had 18 months at Liverpool where I haven't played much football. "I'm going to need games to get back to my best, but I want to play football and come here and help the team to make an impact." Cole could make his second Irons debut in the third round of the FA Cup against Manchester United on Saturday, with West Ham 50/1 with bet365 to win the competition for the fourth time in their history.
Soccer - Rooney not ready to return
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney faces around another two weeks out due to a knee injury sustained in training on Christmas Day. Rooney has not featured since his minor setback, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson had hoped to have the player back in time for the crunch Premier League clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford next Sunday. However, Ferguson admitted ahead of an FA Cup third round tie at West Ham: "It is not serious, but it is going to take longer than we thought, probably another two weeks. He won't be fit for Liverpool." United, 1/3 with bet365 to be crowned champions this season, currently lead the way by seven points from Manchester City, who pipped them on goal difference last term. The Red Devils have won their last three home league games against their rivals from Merseyside, while earlier this season a late Robin van Persie penalty secured a 2-1 victory at Anfield.
Soccer - Ba excited by Chelsea move
Striker Demba Ba is relishing the opportunity to play for the reigning European champions after completing his move to Chelsea from Newcastle United. The 27-year-old Senegal international has penned a three-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge and is excited by the challenge ahead. He told his new club's official website: "When the club who won the Champions League wants you, the decision is very easy. "This club is massive and that's something that helped the decision a lot. It was not a hard one." Ba has signed in time to be eligible to feature in the FA Cup third round tie at Southampton, as Chelsea begin the defence of the title they won last season by beating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley. The frontman will be ineligible to play in the Europa League for the Blues this season, with Chelsea 13/2 with bet365 to win the competition and gain some consolation for an early Champions League exit.
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