Return of Cole on hold

West Ham are resting Joe Cole to keep him fresh for the start of the season.

The midfielder, who was part of England's World Cup squad, will not play in tonight's friendly at Southend but will make his first pre-season appearance at Colchester on Friday.

Cole said: "I have just had three weeks off. I am back working hard and felt sharp straight away. But the gaffer is suggesting I miss the first couple of games because he wants me to avoid burnout."

Italian striker Paolo Di Canio will play tonight after recovering over the summer from medial ligament damage.