Milk Cup hero Cole hoping to re-ignite his career at Anfield

The diminutive midfielder lit up the tournament in 1995 and '96 scooping the Junior Section's Player of the tournament gong on both occasions thanks to his dazzling displays for West Ham.

Cole has fond memories of the competition and always recalls how he was made to feel like a superstar during his visits to the North Coast.

The Londoner of course did move on to football super stardom but left the Hammers to join Chelsea winning all the games major honours during a seven year spell at Stamford Bridge.

But he surprised many by leaving the Blues after completing a League and FA Cup double in May.

The race was on to secure his services for the forthcoming season and Cole caused a stir when he decided to sign for Liverpool last week.

But the skilful wide man believes he has made the right decision.

"I know I have made the right decision and I am looking forward to the challenge," said Cole. "This is a challenge for me. I have played in London all my life. I could have stayed at Chelsea because the fans loved me and I won things, but I wanted to challenge myself and when I knew Liverpool were interested it was a no-brainer because they are the biggest club in the country.

"This is a massive club. I tried to take everything out of the equation, take the financial and location side out and just thought in football terms.

"I thought about the semi-final of the Champions League in 2005 when I ran onto the field and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I was thinking about playing in that atmosphere every week and that swung it for me."

"It's a massive deal for me to move north. We've just had a young baby girl, but I'm 28 now and I have a good family around me. I know people will make me feel welcome and the response I have had has been amazing. I just want to get involved.

"When you move to a new club it's important to immerse yourself into everything about it and that's what I'll be looking to do. I know the fans are great with the players and I will fight to try and win trophies for this club."