Cole sparkle keeps Ranieri bubbling

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2003

LONDON (AFP) — Claudio Ranieri's frustration over Chelsea's failure to clinch top spot in their Champions League group was offset by fresh evidence of the growing maturity of Joe Cole.

A goal-less draw with Sparta Prague on Wednesday night was enough to secure Ranieri's side's passage to the last 16 of the tournament but a strangely toothless Chelsea were a lacklustre shadow of the side that beat Lazio 4-0 in Rome at the start of the month.

Cole however provided sufficient sparkle to suggest that Juan Sebastian Veron's right to automatic selection for European nights at Stamford Bridge may be under threat.

Veron was missing on Wednesday because of a back strain and Cole made the most of what was his first start in the Champions League, providing a creative...