His age, too, has prompted debate as, at 32, his signing is not seen as the kind of long-term investment many fans want the club to make, particularly in the wake of Shaun Wright-Phillips’ departure for Chelsea last week.

But, despite the controversy, James is confident Cole – who scored in his first appearance for the club, against Everton in the FA Premier League Asia Trophy in Bangkok on Saturday – can put the doubts behind him and prove himself an asset to the club following his free transfer move from Fulham.

“I know him as a person and I know him as a player and he will do well,” said the former Liverpool keeper. “I think there’s a bit of resistance from some of the Manchester City supporters because of his past with Manchester United but Andy Cole’s a player who wants to score goals, he wants to play good football.

“He’s going to be a valuable addition to the team. If we get Andy Cole playing well then Manchester City will improve and obviously that’s why the gaffer has brought him in.”

City narrowly missed out on qualifying for the UEFA Cup last season, with goal scoring the main concern after James and the rest of the defence tightened up when Stuart Pearce took over following Kevin Keegan’s departure.

James believes Cole’s arrival will help City build on that performance and allow the club to make the next step forward.

“It’s important we do improve,” he said. “Last season ended well but we have to improve and I think he can do well.”

Having proven himself at the highest level for Manchester United, James is convinced Cole has what it takes mentally to handle the situation at City.

“Andy’s good at motivating himself,” he said. “He’s very sure of himself as much as he might not be the most outgoing person in the world.

“Playing wise, if Andy Cole plays well then he’ll score goals. If he scores goals we get better. He’ll always have some resistance but that’s life, isn’t it?”

Cole’s arrival was also given the seal of approval of Ben Thatcher and, with City now possessing both the former Newcastle hitman and ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, he believes the experience for youngsters such as Bradley Wright-Phillips will be invaluable.

“With Coley coming in, when a new player comes in there’s always a bit of a buzz,” said Thatcher. “Obviously he a proven goalscorer and the gaffer says he’s pleased with what he’s seen so far.

“We now have two of the Premier League’s all-time goal scorers and young Bradley’s learning all the time and coming on leaps and bounds.”

City manager Pearce fully understands the situation Cole finds himself in and has already discussed the situation with the forward.

“I experienced the same kind of thing when I signed for Manchester as a player of 39,” said Pearce. “People turned round and said: ‘What have we got him for?’

“I explained exactly the same to Andy. When he walks out the door in a year or two or three years time the fans have got to say ‘well we understand why we signed him’.”