STEVE CLARKE believes Joe Cole still has a major part to play at Liverpool FC despite rumours linking him with a move away from the club.

The assistant manager took charge of LFC in Kenny Dalglish’s absence on Saturday night as they secured a 6-3 win over the Malaysian national team in Kuala Lumpur.

Clarke, who admits to being bowled over by their reception in the Far East, was happy with the challenge the hosts gave his players and says Liverpool’s pre-season preparations have so far gone to plan.

Cole started the match at the National Stadium and Clarke, who coached the forward when the pair were at Chelsea, is adamant the 29-year-old’s future remains at Anfield despite growing speculation this week that the arrival of Aston Villa’s Stewart Downing could see him transferred in the opposite direction.

Clarke wants Liverpool to kick off the Premier League campaign, which begins on August 13 at home to Sunderland, in the same manner the club ushered in the return of Dalglish as manager and says creating competition for places is necessary.

And the number two believes Cole, who made 32 appearances in all competitions last season after joining as a free agent a year ago tomorrow, has the strength of character to force his way back into the first team reckoning.

“At the end of last season he was not getting in the team because the team were playing well,” said Clarke.

“But he trained great and obviously has gone away and had a good summer, worked hard and has come back really lively in training.

“He’s looked good in both matches we’ve played so far and Joe Cole is a top international player. He’s got a big contribution to make in the future.

“He’s the same Joe Cole (I coached at Chelsea) just a couple of years older and a little bit wiser. He’s always had a fantastic attitude, works hard in training and comes in with a smile on his face because he wants to do well. That’s the position he’s in. It has been difficult for him because he’s not been involved but he keeps working hard and when he gets his chance it is up to him to take that chance.

“The better players are always positive, they see the bigger picture and understand what’s going on. Although they want to play every game they don’t have a divine right to do that, they have to reach levels. And when they do that then they’ll get in the team, they understand that.”