JOE Cole is hoping for another opportunity to ignite his Liverpool career against first club West Ham tomorrow.

The England midfielder has endured a frustrating season at Anfield after a high-profile free transfer from Chelsea last summer.

The 29-year-old was sent off on his Barclays Premier League debut for the club in August and has since been hampered by injuries and poor form.

Former boss Roy Hodgson became reluctant to use the player but the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as caretaker manager seven weeks ago has offered a fresh chance.

Cole had to wait until Thursday's Europa League clash with Sparta Prague for his first start under Dalglish due to a knee problem but lasted the full 90 minutes and could continue at Upton Park.

Dalglish said: "Joe Cole coming back is a real bonus for us. It has been a stop-start season for him.

"It is a great credit to him the way he finished Thursday's game - he ran almost the full length of the pitch to almost score in the last minute.

"There is not much wrong with his fitness, he just needs to get back into match practice and the lad will be OK.

"I don't think he needed to show anybody he wanted to play.

"It has been frustrating for the wee man, sent off in his first game and then he picked up two or three injuries. He never really got going.

"It's the first opportunity I've had to have him in the squad and he's a great asset to have."

Dalglish's return for a second spell as manager has transformed the mood at Anfield after a dismal six months under Hodgson.

The Reds are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions and back in with an outside chance of a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League.

Confidence is growing and supporters have certainly united behind Kop hero Dalglish, but the Scot does not want to take much credit for the change of atmosphere.

Dalglish said: "I don't think there has ever been any doubt about the quality here but there is no point having quality if you don't have the application.

"I think the boys have really applied themselves brilliantly since we came in.

"They have responded brilliantly to the work on the training ground with Steve Clarke and Sammy Lee and let's just carry that forward.

"I think they deserve a great deal of credit for the way they've turned it around.

"They are the ones that play, they are the ones that get results."

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is hoping to prove his fitness to return at West Ham after three games out with a groin injury.

Striker Luis Suarez is back in contention after being cup-tied for the last two games against Sparta.

Defenders Martin Kelly, Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger will all be assessed but the match is likely to be too soon for £35million record signing Andy Carroll to make his debut.

Dalglish is expecting the relegation-threatened Hammers to provide a stern examination of his team's credentials.

He said: "We go into every game knowing it is going to be difficult and West Ham is no different to any other, irrespective of league position.

"It is a magnificent club we are playing against and we will always treat them with respect.

"But the most important team to get ready is our team. We will do our best to do that.

"West Ham are a fantastic football club that have not had the best of seasons but that doesn't mean to say they can't turn it on on their day.

"I just hope their day isn't Sunday."

Tomorrow will be the first time Dalglish has prepared a team to play the weekend after a midweek European game.

The 59-year-old did not manage in Europe during his first spell in charge from 1985-91 due to a ban imposed on English clubs.

Much is often made of the hangovers Premier League teams have suffered from playing in Europe but that is not an issue concerning Dalglish.

He said: "We have not done anything we wouldn't have done if it was a normal league game.

"There are a few players that could be back on Sunday that could be helpful and freshen the team up a bit.

"But if you are going to win matches you are going to have to play more."