Joe Cole insists he still has some way to go before he is back to his best after completing his first 90 minutes since damaging knee ligaments last January.
Joe Cole insists he still has some way to go before he is back to his best after completing his first 90 minutes since damaging knee ligaments last January.
ADVERTISEMENT
Cole's performance was one of the highlights of a pedestrian Chelsea display as the Premier League leaders struggled to overcome Championship club QPR Rangers, eventually edging to a 1-0 victory in the League Cup third round clash at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
The England midfielder was crocked in an FA Cup tie against Southend nine months ago and he knows he has to keep working to reach a high enough level to press for a regular starting spot in Carlo Ancelotti's first team - as well as pressing for a recall to Fabio Capello's England squad.
"This is s stepping stone for me," he said. "It's not a case of saying I'm back or anything like that.
"This is just another step and I will keep working hard and get back to the top of my game and beyond as soon as I can.
"I don't think it's as much about me playing 90 minutes in the Premier League. You have to get the knee used to all the movement and all the twisting and turning which is a big part of my game.
"This is a stepping stone for me and if I am back to my best on Saturday, or next week or next month we will have to see. All I can do is work hard in training.
"I'm pleased with the performance, I helped to make the goal. I should have scored myself but I am delighted that I was not off the pace. I was among the action.
"When the ball is out of play you look around you and take it all in. You say 'I'm back, this is blinding'. I know there will be lots of ups and downs from here."
u00a0
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
