JOE COLE celebrated his return to action with his first-ever Liverpool goal on a record-breaking night for Roy Hodgson’s side.

Cole netted after just 25 seconds to set the Anfield outfit on their way to an ultimately comfortable 4-1 home victory over Steaua Bucharest in their Europa League Group K opener.

It was the quickest-ever goal in the club’s European history with last night’s triumph making Hodgson the first Liverpool manager to win his first five games in European competition.

Cole had sat out the previous two games as he served the remainder of a three-match domestic suspension following his red card against Arsenal a month ago.

And with a trip to Manchester United to come on Sunday, the 28-year-old is desperate to make up for lost time.

“It’s been a long time and the suspension just seemed to last ages so I just want to get back into it now,” said Cole. “I’m enjoying it here and I’m happy to be here.

“There was a lot of frustration there. I’ve been nearly a month not playing so it’s been a bit stop start but I’m happy to get my first goal for the team and a great start in the Europa League.

“Teams come here and try to sit back, they put a lot of work into stopping us playing in the first half but we managed to break them down and get the goals.

“The win is massive. You’ve got to win your home games, that’s very important. If you win your three home games and get one draw on your travels you’re through. It was a tough game and a good result.”

Although Cristian Tanase equalised for Steaua on 13 minutes, a second-half brace from David Ngog – one from the penalty spot – and a fine Lucas Leiva strike put Liverpool in command of their group, with Napoli and Utrecht playing out a goalless draw in Italy in last night’s other game.