Bridgey beats Cashley to the starting spot at Wembley

[abramovich]

I know it's Daily Star but a lot of people on this board will be happy if it was true.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/vie ... -Final-KO/

ASHLEY COLE is facing Wembley heartache.

Wayne Bridge is set to win the battle of the left-backs and face Spurs in tomorrow’s Carling Cup Final.

Bridge told Chelsea boss Avram Grant he would be ready to quit the club if Cole came in for the showpiece.

Bridge has played in the games leading up to the Final, but a chance to star at Wembley would have been a boost for his rival defender Cole.

It is the latest setback for England star Cole following revelations about his private life, with wife Cheryl flying out to Los Angeles yesterday.

Bridge and Cole have had to fight for the left-back spot for both club and country. But Bridge has decided he may have to look elsewhere if he continues to lose out.

He made it clear to boss Grant that if he missed out at Wembley he would be ready to look for another club, with Liverpool letting their interest be known during the transfer window.

It’s tough on Cole, who has admitted he has not always been as his best with Chelsea following his controversial move from Arsenal in the summer of 2006.

He is believed to have reluctantly accepted the situation, knowing that Bridge played such a key role in helping Grant get so close to winning his first trophy with Chelsea.

It means more Wembley disappointment, though, as last season he was on the bench for the FA Cup Final win over Manchester United.

Cole had been out with an ankle injury in the build-up then boss Jose Mourinho stuck with Bridge, bringing on Cole as a late substitute.

It is understood Grant has had some concerns about Cole’s mental state following the problems with his marriage. He has also been impressed this season with the accuracy of Bridge’s crossing.

[Guest Brian M]

A. Cole's a very good number 2 (and you can quote me on that! ) but Bridge should be our number 1 left back. That's if players get picked on form not past reputation.

[The Moos]

If it's true that Bridge really put his foot down then I'm happy for him. It's about time he said no to being on the bench and seing that Gunner-t*at play all the time. The best one should play, not Cashley

[mad_mac]

good on the lad!!! He scored a great goal against le arse in the CL, I hope he replicates the feat with a great goal against the spuds in a final! I actually think that he might be more up for it that Cashley

[MannyJello]

exactly! i know that Wayne is the guy to help us get those 3 points against Sp*rs!

Come on the chels!

[Phillip]

No three points at stake today, just a trophy.

[The Brit]

wll deserved if true

[Backbiter]

No three points at stake today, just a trophy.

Come on - spot the irony. There's even a smilie there! Bridgey famously said after last year's CC Final (I think) that we were delighted to have come away with the three points.