Rovers deny Boro bid

A story in one of the national papers suggested Boro boss Steve McClaren is lining up a £2 million bid for Cole in the January transfer window.

But Rovers' chief executive John Williams insists there have been no inquiries for the club's leading scorer.

"There has been no contact from anyone about Andy Cole," said Williams this morning.

Boro are desperate for a striker to boost their attacking options and a move for Cole would make sense as McClaren worked with the 32-year-old when he was Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United.

But Cole insists the reports linking him with a return to the North East, where he enjoyed great success with Newcastle, are news to him.

"I don't know anything about it," said the Rovers striker.

"I just keep my head down and try to keep my nose clean.

"But, like they say in football, you never know what's going to happen.

"I've got 18 months on my contract, I'd like to see those 18 months out, but, like I say, in football you never know what is going to happen."

Meanwhile, Cole may have to settle for a place on the bench when Rovers face another of his old clubs, Arsenal, at Highbury on Sunday.

The former England man returned from suspension last week and masterminded Rovers' 4-0 victory over Birmingham by creating two goals following his introduction from the substitutes' bench.

But Rovers boss Graeme Souness may well decide to stick with Paul Gallagher and Dwight Yorke up front, providing Gallagher recovers from the ligament injury which kept him out of Scotland's friendly with Turkey on Wednesday.

Souness will also have a dilemma in midfield if Garry Flitcroft proves his fitness today following a muscle injury.

Barry Ferguson and Tugay were both outstanding in midfield at St Andrew's and Souness may decide against making changes to accommodate his skipper.

"If people are in the team and doing well then they will keep their place. That's how I've always worked in the past," said Souness.