Premiership: Cole may quit Reds

Manchester United striker Andy Cole claims he may be forced to quit Old Trafford to boost his chances of playing for England in the 2002 World Cup finals.

Although the striker was included in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s squad for next week’s friendly against Holland, it seems as if Cole has dropped down the pecking order at United following the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Indeed boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he intends to use Paul Scholes alongside the £19million Dutchman as the Premiership champions prepare to embark upon a fresh assault on the Champions League.

But Cole, who turns 30 in October, claims he is not prepared to be a bit-part player and needs first-team football to secure his place in the international side.