Zola could hand Franco his debut on Monday night in the Premier League clash against Manchester City at Eastlands.

The 32-year-old Mexican, who has scored six goals in 19 international appearances, joined West Ham after his contract with Villarreal expired.

Zola insists he could form a formidable partnership with Cole.

"It would be fantastic if Franco could start on Monday," said Zola. "He is going to be very important for us.

"He has all the experience and he's got presence on the pitch and I'm really impressed with him. He's going to be a very good signing for us."

Zola is looking forward to pitting his managerial wits against former Chelsea team-mate and current City boss Mark Hughes, even if Hughes has splashed more than £100million in the last transfer window.

It is cash Zola can only dream about at Upton Park but he said: "I don't envy anybody. We are not a club who can spend £20million on a player but we are solid. We have stability and can look forward with a positive attitude."

West Ham have not won in the league since the first day of the season and have gleaned just four points from five matches, but Zola remains confident.

He said: "We know we are not getting the points we should but we are playing well and improving.

"I'm the first to say that points-wise we are not doing great, but I am not working just on three points. I am working on a project. I see the big picture.

"It is just a matter of time before we start picking up points with consistency."

Zola is hopeful England defender Matthew Upson will have recovered from a calf injury for Monday night's match and Luis Jimenez, who had been nursing a thigh strain, is also back in training.

Midfield man Valon Behrami remains doubtful with a back injury suffered in last week's defeat against Liverpool.

Zola will need to find a way of stopping former West Ham striker Craig Bellamy, who scored two goals in the Manchester derby last weekend when City lost 4-3 to United in the dying seconds.

"It will be massive for Bellamy," said Zola.

"He did well for me. He would have been a big help for us but he wanted to go for another experience and I respected that. He will be up for it but hopefully we will find a way to look after him.

"I have a lot of admiration for Manchester City. They have a lot of talent. I respect them."