The Mirror claimed that Cole was sent out on loan as a punishment for turning up late to a reserve team match.

But Birch has revealed the real reasons behind the loan move, "It's absolute nonsense to suggest we would send a player to another club as a punishment. That would be an act of disrespect.

"Secondly, Wolves' first choice for a loan was meant to be an experienced international, Les Ferdinand. When they couldn't get him, they came for Carlton instead.

"That is how highly he is valued. To take a young, inexperienced striker as an alternative to one who's done it all, I think is high praise.

"Carlton is a young man with great prospects and needs to be allowed to grow up in the harsh world of professional football as quietly and quickly as possible. Going out on loan is part of that development," he told the club's website.

That's that then! Chelsea-Mad would also like to congratulate Carlton after he was named in the England Under-20's squad. It's a massive achievement for him to be consistently named in that particular squad, despite only playing a bit part role at Chelsea. Well done!