Will Joe Cole Struggle?

When Joe Cole returned to West Ham in January, it was greeted with great applause; after-all the prodigal son had returned. A graduate of our youth academy Joe looked destined to reach the heights of the like of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard etc, he did.

Although after a difficult time at Liverpool Joe did inevitably return on a free transfer-and on his return Joe made an instant impact assisting in both goals in the 2-2 FA Cup 3rd against Manchester United. Joe then went on to score on his first Premier League home game back for West Ham, Joe Cole was back!

But with the recent arrival of Stewart Downing; that has got me thinking, will Joe struggle to hold down a first team spot?
Joe can play on the wings or attacking midfield, two areas we are currently very strong in, with Captain Kevin Nolan commanding the attacking midfield, its hard to see Allardyce dropping Nolan at any point, even if his form is lacking. We currently have 6 players who can play on the wing and although Joe still has enormous talent and has played very well in our opening fixtures I just wonder if he gets injured; how difficult could it prove to be for him to establish himself as a first team player?

Injuries have dominated Joe's career for the last few years now, you can't fault his ability but with younger hungry players now in the squad, I feel that Joe doesn't automatically gain a first team place, whereas 10 years back he would of.