Joe Cole eager to cement spot in Liverpool midfield

Joe Cole has insisted that if he stays with Liverpool then he will fight for a spot in the centre of midfield under the club's new manager.

The Merseyside outfit have yet to appoint Kenny Dalglish's successor, with Roberto Martinez, Andre Villas-Boas and Rafael Benitez all being linked with the vacancy.

Cole has confirmed that he will return to Anfield for pre-season following a positive season-long loan stint at Lille.

"When you don't know who the manager is going to be you cannot do much else really," ESPN quotes Cole as saying. "I'm hoping to make it at Liverpool.

"My time at Lille has been extremely positive. I've moved back from the wing into a more central midfield role and I have thrived there. It's my best position, I was doing it at 19 for West Ham.

"The days of me running down the wing are over, I see my future in the middle now. It's where I can get my foot on the ball and get the best out of myself. Once a new manager is appointed then we'll see how it goes with him."

Cole helped Lille to secure third spot in Ligue 1.