Ruairi Daly 
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Celtic striker Carlton Cole has vowed to use his years of experience in the Premier League to help the Hoops.
The 32-year-old is yet to make his competitive debut for Celtic after signing an 18-month deal last month.
Having played for Chelsea, West Ham and Aston Villa in the Premier League, the England international has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience to help the Hoops youngsters and inexperienced players.
Having not played in a competitive game since his swansong in May for West Ham against Newcastle, Cole knows that getting back to match fitness and avoiding injury is key.
He did suffer an injury in training before signing his contract, but ultimately he impressed Ronny Deila enough to be offered a contract.
It is believe that he will be a target man for Celtic and give them another option in Europe or late in a game.
Cole played an hour of Celtic’s friendly game against Livingston last week, although he couldn’t get on the scoresheet.
Speaking to the Celtic View this week, as quoted on Celtic’s official website he said:
I needed that game last week because it has been so long since I’ve played.
Just being out there among the lads was great. It didn’t go the way I dreamed about it but it was a start.
When it’s a start you’ve just got to take what you can. I worked hard, tried to influence it as much as I could, and that’ll come with more match-sharpness and games.
I can use my experience to help those guys and try to implement that into my game when I’m playing for Celtic.
It’s a different responsibility for me. Now I know that I’ve actually grown up because I’m the one who can impart advice.
Cole went on to praise captain Scott Brown and the influence he has over the players.
We have a good captain as well. Scott’s brilliant and he keeps the players on their toes. We get along really well and I’m thankfully the type of guy who can walk into any changing room and just get along with people.
The former West Ham striker hasn’t scored a competitive goal since January in the FA Cup, and will hope to get the chance this Saturday against Kilmarnock to open his Celtic account.
Eric Knott 
