Wednesday, 27th August, 2014
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert believes that former Liverpool man Joe Cole still has it in him to change the course of a match on his own.
Villa signed Cole on a free transfer after he was released by West Ham earlier this summer, who he had in turn joined after a disappointing spell at Liverpool.
"He's a really top player and can see a pass no problem at all”, Lambert told the club’s official site.
The Scot feels that if Villa can keep Cole fit throughout the season, then even at his age the former Liverpool midfielder can add a lot to the club’s performances.
“The big thing for us is to get him fit and keep him fit. If we can do that then we've got a right top player.
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"At 32-year-old, he has so much to offer. I know in my own career I felt great at 32 and 33. Joe has so much left to give.”
The 32-year-old made only six league starts for the Hammers last season, but that didn’t stop Lambert from signing him earlier this summer as he believes that Cole still has it in him to change the course of a game through his talent.
"I know he didn't play as much as he might have liked to at West Ham for one reason or another but I'm delighted he's here because I know he can make things happen.
"When games are tight sometimes you need that bit of brilliance to unlock a door – and he's got it."
Lambert will hope to involve Cole when Aston Villa welcome Leyton Orient tonight at Villa Park in a League Cup match.
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