Eriksson said after studying Cole at close quarters many times this season, 'Joe Cole can do much more for the national team than he did in the past. He is much more mature now and does not take the big risks. He is far more disciplined ans is doing very well. Joe's improved a lot this season, maybe not as a talent - but certainly regarding discipline, which is what he was missing in the past. I can trust him (unlike us fans trusting you, eh Sven? snigger!!) more now but what has happened is more Mourinho's work than mine. It's maybe too much to say he is a new player because when I first picked the younger players I did so wanting to stick with them in the hope that one day they would be mature enough to start. I think Joe Cole has reached that point, I don't think I have to play 4-3-3 to accommodate him, he can play anywhere. But it would be difficult to move Beckham, Gerrard or Lampard and I have no intention of doing that.'

So will Chelsea fans see the trio line-up to start on Saturday? Who knows except for Sven!! Here's hoping.

Back to the Barcelona row. Frank Rijkaard said today that he doesn't want to see Chelsea as a club punished for the events that took place in the Nou Camp during the first leg of the Champions League clash. He said that the Chelsea players worked extremely hard for their ultimate victory and to punish the players would be unfair. Instead he said that he would want Jose Mourinho brought to task and severely punished.

Always look on the bright side of life di dum, di dum, di dum, di dum.

KEEP THE BLUE FLAG FLYING HIGH!!