Sam Allardyce not risking Joe Cole against Tottenham Hotspur

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has said that Joe Cole is not fit enough for a starting role in Sunday's match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

However, the 31-year-old midfielder, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, may yet be named on the substitute's bench for the Hammers.

"Joe Cole is not ready to start because we haven't seen him on the pitch for a while, but we hope he is ready to be in the squad," Allardyce told reporters.

"He's back in full training but I think starting after such a long period out wouldn't be right. Getting him on the bench would be good from our point of view."

The England international has scored one goal in his two league appearances so far this season.