Sun Spices Cole Vs Sheringham

Seven years ago they were both in Sven Göran Eriksson`s first England squad. Now, in the week Fabio Capello played his inaugural game as the second foreign manager of England, the former Manchester United pair are about to lock horns for Colchester United and Burnley in the Championship.

Today`s game will see Cole and Sheringham both probably start on the bench, but it has been over a decade since they last spoke to one another after a bigger feud which still lingers from their time at Old Trafford.

In the Sun newspaper today, Colchester`s Kevin Lisbie explains: "I don`t know the full details of their argument but if they have gone this long without speaking I wouldn`t expect them to start now." The cause of the row apparently dates back to Teddy blaming Cole for a goal conceded by United in 1998.

"I don`t think either player will be too bothered by it. Both are Premier League legends," added Lisbie.

Even at this late stage of their respective careers - Sheringham is 41 and Cole five years his junior - both will feel they have something to prove to repay the faith shown by the current employers. Cole is yet to score for Burnley since arriving on loan from Sunderland and Teddy has been unable to cement a reglar spot in the U`s stating XI.

Lisbie revealed that the Cole-Sheringham split is not as shocking as people think: "That`s how stubborn us footballers are. When I was at Charlton, I had a disagreement with Paolo di Canio on the training ground and we never spoke again, although we played together no problem.

"People might think it`s a bit weird and not good for team spirit but playing football`s just like any job — you`re never going to get on with everyone you work with," added the 29-year-old.

"I`d say most clubs have players who don`t talk to each other."