Fear of failure drives Cole

Carlton Cole said today he will consider himself a failure if he does not return to Chelsea next season.

The England Under-21 striker has started to make an impression at his loan club Charlton after three months out with a hip injury but is still desperate to go back to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Cole scored his second goal in successive games in Saturday's FA Cup defeat by Gillingham and hopes his goal tally will force him back into Claudio Ranieri's plans.

Cole said: "I am good enough to play for Chelsea and will try my best to get back there.

"I feel I will have let myself down if I don't make it there because I had the chance to play for a club like Chelsea.

"Claudio thinks I am good enough but I have to prove myself at Charlton now. I hope that I have a future there still, it just depends on what Roman Abramovich and Claudio think.

"If they feel they need to sign another player then that is their decision and I can't do anything about it."

Cole slipped down Chelsea's pecking order after the summer arrivals of Hernan Crespo and Adrian Mutu and was loaned out to Charlton to get more experience.

And the 20-year-old feels Abramovich's riches have hindered the development of Chelsea's rising stars.

The club have been linked with moves for yet more strikers, such as Jermain Defoe and Brazilian international Adriano, in this month's transfer window but Cole hopes they fail to materialise.

He said: "It was good for Chelsea that Abramovich came in but not for the young players. He has spent a lot of money and wants to win things instantly but I am not sure he was looking at the players coming through."

Cole is hopeful of retaining his place for tonight's visit to Manchester City, although manager Alan Curbishley may choose to partner Jason Euell and Paolo Di Canio up front after they were rested for the shock FA Cup defeat at Gillingham. Scott Parker will return from a foot injury to boost the midfield, with Graham Stuart or Paul Konchesky missing out.

Kevin Keegan is without Steve McManaman (hamstring) as City search for their first win in 13 games, but German defender Michael Tarnat has recovered from a back problem.

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