WEST HAM striker Carlton Cole has admitted it is tough to watch his rivals for a place in the England World Cup squad continue to bang in the goals while he recovers from a knee injury.

Cole injured his knee ligaments in a game against Everton last month and is expected to be out of action until the new year.

His absence has allowed the likes of Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch to steal a march on him and fire their way up the scoring charts.

Cole was riding high in the Premier League top scorer standings, having netted seven times in 13 games for the Hammers. But he has seen himself pushed further down the list.

"It doesn't feel good to see these guys scoring all the time," he said in the Daily Star.

"But they're all top players and it's what you expect. That's why I was so disappointed when I got injured because I knew I would be overtaken in the goal rankings.

"I've been trying to keep up with the likes of Defoe, Bent, Rooney and others - and to make sure I stayed in the top ten all season.

"I think I was seventh before my injury - so I know I've got to work hard to get the problem out the way and come back strong in the second half of the season.

"It's been my dream to play and score at a World Cup finals since I was little kid. Hopefully, I can keep that dream alive."

Cole's main focus is to get back to full fitness and reclaim his place in the West Ham line-up.

"I really want to focus on West Ham," he added.

"But, if you're going to be injured in World Cup year, I suppose the earlier in the season it happens, the better it is."