Sports Letter: Keegan's Cole blind spot

Sir: Kevin Keegan should be asked by his superiors to explain the absence of Andy Cole from the starting line-up in recent matches. To anyone who knows football, it is abundantly clear that, this season, Cole is infinitely more effective than Alan Shearer or Michael Owen.

Keegan's inability to appreciate the genius which belongs to Matthew Le Tissier is also a source of deep concern as England prepare for Euro 2000. Without creativity in midfield and lacking one of the most lethal strikers to have played in the English league since World War I, I despair for England's prospects.

JOHN O'SHEA

Monkstown,

Dublin