“Young Lions” To Start Against Gills?

Last updated : 06 November 2002 By -

Injuries have ruled out Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (groin) and Eidur Gudjohnsen (ankle), giving Cole and Oliveira their chance.


Cole scored on his debut at Middlesbrough in April and again in the opening game of the season at Charlton before being sidelined for the last two months with foot and leg injuries. He made his comeback in an under-19 match against Fulham on Monday.

Graeme Le Saux is back in contention after missing Sunday's draw at Tottenham with the lingering effects of a stomach bug while Mario Stanic also returns after missing four games with an abdominal strain.

But Emmanuel Petit and Marcel Desailly are expected to be allowed to play in a charity match in Paris, leaving the way clear for England Under-21 centre-back John Terry to regain his place.

Squad: Cudicini, Melchiot, Gallas, Huth, Terry, Stanic, Ferrer, de Lucas, Lampard, Morris, Gronkjaer, Zola, Nicolas, Babayaro, Le Saux, Ambrosetti, Cole, Oliveira, Kitamirike, Pidgeley.