Bertrand hails Cole

Ashley Cole

Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand admits Ashley Cole has been a help and a hindrance in his quest to succeed him at left-back.

The 21-year-old concedes it might be in his interest to join the recent exodus of youngsters from the club if he is to secure regular first-team football. But he also knows there is no better man than Cole from whom to learn the art of full-back play, with the 30-year-old considered by many to be the best left-sided defender in the world.

"It's a massive positive having him at Chelsea - and a massive hindrance too I suppose!" said Bertrand, who joined the Blues aged 15. "He's definitely right up there - his attitude, the way he goes about training. He's won the most FA Cups, and a lot of other silverware, and to still have that attitude at his age is fantastic."
Bertrand, who has made just two Chelsea appearances, added: "He's a fantastic role model. "He's a brilliant man and a brilliant player to have around to help you with your game.

"If I ever have anything to ask him about a certain situation on the pitch, he's more than happy to come back and talk."Bertrand is blessed when it comes to learning about playing left-back, with England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce also an expert in the field.The defender, who is too young to remember Pearce in his prime, said: "He is able to chip in and give you little bits of advice and that's really good."He encourages you to be really positive, like the modern-day full-backs, and perhaps think more, with different runs, inside the man and outside the man."[BPL]