Joe Cole has promised to return to his best form, after making his first appearance back at West Ham in Saturday’s 2-2 FA Cup draw with Manchester United.

The Upton Park academy graduate assisted both of James Collins’ goals in the draw, as the Hammers were denied a win by Robin van Persie’s 91st-minute equaliser.

Cole told ITV Sport: “It was a nice return, I didn’t like all the fuss and everything, I just wanted to get out there and play football.

“It was nice to get involved and get the minutes under my belt. It’s been a long time since I’ve played properly.

“Like I said, three or four games and I’ll be back to my best. It it was a great start on a personal note, but it still feels like a missed opportunity.”

The former Liverpool man highlighted the Red Devils’ greater quality as being crucial in their comeback, but backed his new team-mates to go and grab a good result in the replay at Old Trafford.

“They’re a quality side and have done that countless times,” Cole continued.

“When you’ve got world-class players like Van Persie and Giggs, they can combine like that. I thought we defended really well, good concentration, good heart, good discipline and we were unlucky not to win, but it’s a good start.

“Of course it does [feel like a missed opportunity]. You’ve got to go to Old Trafford, but we’ve done it before so we’ll have another go.”