Football: Four reminders for Keegan

ANDY COLE may have been disappointed to miss out on a place in Kevin Keegan's England squad, but he will know his four goals yesterday have served as the best possible reminder of his capabilities to the England coach, writes Graham Snowdon.

The Manchester United striker refused to criticise Keegan for excluding him from his plans for the forthcoming Euro 2000 qualifiers against Luxembourg and Poland. "Kevin has picked the England squad and it's not for me to get upset about it," Cole reasoned. "The most important thing for me is to stay in the Manchester United team."

Asked if he thought he might get a belated call-up from England due to injuries, Cole modestly replied: "I think there are other people in front of me. I'll just wait and see."

The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, also praised Cole for his response to the situation. "I think it's a very difficult job for Kevin Keegan with the forwards he's got. He's got four fantastic strikers and it's no discredit to Andy.

"Andy understands that and the great thing about him is that he's shown it's not affected him. His third and fourth goals were outstanding."

Cole, who made his name at Newcastle before his move to United, had a few words of comfort for his old side. "I'm gutted for them because it's a great club," he said. "But the players they've got and whoever they take on as manager, no doubt they'll turn it around."