On this day: Ex-Man United striker Andy Cole says he can score the goals to keep Portsmouth pushing for Europe
The striker needed just five minutes to make his Fratton Park debut a goalscoring one.
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Hide AdCole’s 186th Premiership goal in the 2-0 win over West Ham kept Pompey in the Champions League places ahead of a trip to Chelsea.
And 35-year-old Cole reckoned he still felt as fresh as a 21-year-old.
The £1m capture from Manchester City, who had scored more Premiership goals than anyone still playing at the time, struck in his instinctive fashion after coming off the bench.
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Hide AdThe goal answered any doubts about Cole’s vitality after a lengthy layoff following knee surgery.
The former England striker said: ‘You may lose half-a-yard of pace with age, but you gain half-a-yard in your head.
‘I still feel I can score goals at the highest level. The thought that I can’t has never really entered my mind.
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Hide Ad‘Just because you’re older, it doesn’t mean you can’t score goals. If I get myself in the right position, I like to think I can score.
‘I was trying to get half a yard on a defender.
‘I did that, and it went in. It’s a great feeling scoring goals – especially after you’ve been out a while.
‘It doesn’t change for me. I just love scoring goals. I’ve enjoyed every single one of my goals – and I want to keep scoring more.
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Hide Ad‘I’m 35, but I still feel 21 when I score. I don’t feel under pressure. I’m trying to enjoy it and get as many goals as I can. I’m here to take the club forward.’
Pompey would travel to Stamford Bridge just three points behind the champions – but 11 points clear of relegation zone.
Cole said: ‘The first job is to get 40 points. Then we’ll go from there. If we keep doing the things we’re doing we won’t get in a relegation fight.
‘We’re getting the points on the board early doors.’