Hammers Legend Frank McAvennie has backed Carlton Cole to join Celtic. He told The Glasgow Evening News
“He is a good player, he’ll score goals his fair share of up here in Scotland, of that I have no doubt. Yes, he has never been a prolific scorer, but he brings more to the team than goals. He will also create chances for other people. I think that is what Ronnie is looking for at the moment.”
“He is not like Griff. He is not going to run about for 90 minutes. But he will make himself available for a pass out and he will hold it up. There are not many people who will take the ball off him that’s for sure.
“If he was to come in now he would probably get into double figures for the season. I am sure he will do well. He is a big boy. He is not going to get beaten in the air. He is still only 31 too. He will be mobile. He has a definite presence about him.”
“Carlton won’t be able to play in the Europa League group stages because Celtic have already submitted their squad to UEFA, but I think he will do well for them in Europe if they progress to the knockout rounds. He has played in the Premier League in England for a long time. His track record speaks for itself.”
“I have met Carlton down at West Ham. He is well liked down there and I am sure he would fit into the squad well. He is certainly not past it. A few boys have just gone in there. I am sure he could have agreed another contract with West Ham. I think they would have offered him something. But I don’t think he would have been keen on not playing regularly. They have a lot of options there.
“I think he will fit right in at Celtic. They are getting the ball down and playing. Their confidence has been shot a wee bit by a couple of bad results. But the Dundee game will have done them the world of good. Their style of play will suit Carlton’s style of play. He won’t be coming up here for a pay day. He is an honest big lad.”
