Cole set for Thai trip

Andy Cole could make his Manchester City debut in the FA Premier League Asia Trophy on Saturday.

Cole is on the verge of signing a one-year deal with City after having a medical yesterday, with only the late results of the tests preventing him from linking up with Stuart Pearce’s squad in Thailand last night.

Providing there are no unexpected problems, the 33-year-old will instead jet out to the Far East later today, although Pearce admitted there was no prospect of the striker appearing against Bolton at the National Stadium in Bangkok tomorrow.

Instead, Cole will train with his new team-mates for the remainder of the week and then be involved on Saturday when City take on either Everton or the Thailand national side.

As a former Treble winner with Manchester United and a veteran of 195 appearances for the Old Trafford outfit, Cole’s potential arrival on a free transfer from Fulham has been greeted with some scepticism by the City support, who argue his best days are gone.

But even in the last three years at Blackburn and Craven Cottage, Pearce believes Cole has proved himself worthy of a contract with City.

Pearce insists Cole’s presence at the club can only benefit the youngsters expected to emerge as first-team regulars in future years.

“Andy finished sixth or seventh top scorer in the Premiership last season and in the last three years he has played in excess of 100 matches,” said Pearce.

“That speaks volumes for what he is all about. As soon as we receive the results of the medical, he will come out to Thailand and join us.

“He is a proven goalscorer. Not only will he be a big benefit to our squad, he will also set a great example to our younger players.”