Sam Allardyce: 'Joe Cole, Stewart Downing back in training'

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has revealed that Joe Cole and Stewart Downing are both due back in training today, but they will not be ready for tomorrow night's League Cup clash against Cardiff City.

Downing has missed West Ham's last two games with a leg injury, while Cole's absence with a hamstring problem suffered against Cheltenham Town is nearing a month.

Allardyce told the club's official website: "No, they won't feature in this game. I would have loved the match to be next week rather than this week as they both would have played.

"They won't be involved on Tuesday because both of them are only due back in training with the other players on Monday and putting them into what will be a hugely competitive game has come too early for them.

"It will be a hugely competitive match because there will be a lot of players out there who will be trying to convince both myself and Malky Mackay that they should be playing in the first team on a more regular basis."

Tomorrow night's match will mark a milestone for Allardyce in East London, with the boss taking charge of his 100th game with the Hammers.