The 32-year-old South Africa striker is on the verge of a move to Upton Park from Blackburn, who should have left east London with more than just the point from Saturday's goalless draw. The Irons - who played in front of co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold for the first time at the Boleyn Ground since their successful takeover - have lacked a cutting edge in attack, which was painfully evident again on Saturday despite the second-half introduction of their England forward, who has just returned from a knee injury. Zola feels veteran McCarthy - who almost joined the Hammers from Porto five years ago - can help bring the best out of Cole, with the 26-year-old still hoping to be part of Fabio Capello's World Cup squad in the summer. "I think it will be a good partnership because Cole is strong and skilful as well, so I think they will find a good combination," said Zola. "I think there are similarities [with Yorke and Andy Cole]. "Obviously you are comparing them to a very good and established couple, but I think if they work together and help each other they can really be a big asset for us. "It will be a big help for Carlton as well because it is going to give him the opportunity to be more relaxed. "Also the opposition will not only have to look after one player, they have to look after two players and that is a big thing." Zola added: "I have seen partnerships like that develop. "It is a kind of understanding that you can see straight away whether it clicks or not. So, if it really works, it's not going to be long." Zola maintains it is not a gamble bringing a 32-year-old into the squad. "We are already a very young team, so I think it is not wrong that we bring in somebody with the experience, football knowledge and also goals," he said. "Benni has got quality in the final third, which is what I am looking for. "He has got goals in his bag and that is what I need right now and that is what I am going to be asking him to produce for us." West Ham may have been far from their free-flowing best yesterday, but at least the point extended their unbeaten league run in 2010 and put some daylight between themselves and the bottom three. However, it could have been much worse. Blackburn midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen saw his 25-yard free-kick come back of the crossbar just before the break, with England keeper Robert Green then pulling off a brilliant save to deny Martin Olsson, while Mark Noble appeared to handle a shot from Gael Givet before it was cleared off the line as Rovers upped the pressure during the second half. Substitute Jason Roberts then failed to beat Green when clean through with 15 minutes left. Zola accepts his men were off colour, but insists lessons will be learned. "It is difficult because you want to play with freedom, but if you do not you start fighting things [like nerves]," he said. "It is normal, but in the next game it will not happen." Zola maintained West Ham had not made a bid for Celtic's Scott McDonald, but admits he could have a busy 48 hours before the transfer window closes. "In these two days we will see what we can do. We will have to speak to the owners and see," he said.
