Oxford United winger Mitchell Cole has special reason for wanting to do well tonight.

He was at West Ham for the best part of ten years, until being released at 18.

Signed from Stevenage in the summer, Cole, 24, is likely to be among the Oxford United subs this evening. But if he is, he will be eager to come on and make his mark.

He said: “I’m really excited about the game, and looking forward to it. Hopefully I’m playing.

“I signed for West Ham when I was seven or eight, in the academies, was there on and off and ended up signing again when I was 13 and stayed till I was 18. Playing there was a big part of my upbringing as a player.”

Cole was an Eastender, so Upton Park was the natural big club to join.

“I’m from Bow,” he said. “I got picked up early doors so it was nice to be there and grow up there as well.”

Among Cole’s close contemporaries were two well-known names.

“No-one from my age group made it into the first team, but I played with Mark Noble, who was in the year below me, and Anton Ferdinand, who was in the year above.

“The season I left I managed to squeeze into the first team for the whole of pre-season, didn’t go on tour, and then got injured so didn’t start the season with them. So it never really happened for me.

“I had a three-year pro contract, had the first year, got injured and had the whole second year out. By mutual agreement they paid me off.”

Tonight’s Carling Cup tie is a classic David v Goliath contest, and Cole warns that Oxford fans should not have too many expectations.

“We’re a huge club in our own right, but they’re a massive club with very big support. I’m sure there’ll be a big turn-out from both sets of fans which will make it a good atmosphere.

“Oxford had the play-off final at Wembley, which was a great experience for the lads, but it’s a completely different kettle of fish against a Premier League team with players earning £40,000-£50,000 a week.”

Striker James Constable said: “It’s a nice one to get away from the league, have a nice day out in the cup and it’s going to be a great day and a great occasion for the lads.

“We’ve earned it with our performance against Bristol Rovers.

“We’re fortunate as we had Wembley at the end of last season, now we’ve got West Ham.

“Playing games like these are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for some players in the lower divisions, so we’ve got to go there and make the most of it.”

It’s Oxford United’s first visit to a Premier League ground since they lost 2-0 at Arsenal in the third round of the 2002-3 FA Cup.

West Ham’s players are being urged not to feel sorry for themselves after their 3-1 defeat by Bolton.

After taking on the Football League new boys, they travel to Old Trafford on Saturday evening, and then face Chelsea.

“Despite the two defeats this season, I am very much encouraged,” said manager Avram Grant. “My players showed they have strong character and a high spirit.”