West Ham's Joe Cole ready for "tough" Cardiff City opener

West Ham United midfielder Joe Cole is eagerly anticipating the start of his side's Premier League campaign against Cardiff City.

The 31-year-old returned to Upton Park in January and made 11 appearances for the Hammers in the second half the last campaign.

He told the club's official website: "You get excited every year at this stage and everyone wants to do well.

"We have got Cardiff at home which everyone says is a good game for West Ham, but on the other hand they have got promoted into the top flight for the first time in years and it will be a tough fixture.

"We want to get a result in that game. We know it will be a tough game."

West Ham prepared for their season opener with a win over Eintracht Braunschweig on Saturday.