The England captain Alan Shearer declared he has the utmost respect for Andy Cole as he swept aside any ideas of a rift between the two strikers. Despite Cole's recent criticism of him, Shearer insisted he would be the happiest man in Hampden Park if the Manchester United striker scored the winner in tomorrow's Euro 2000 play-off first leg.

And with his tongue firmly in his cheek, Shearer insisted: "To be called a `golden boy' or whatever is a little bit better than being called boring."

However, after revealing that the two strikers had shaken hands to clear the air when they joined up with the England camp, Shearer insisted he would be as delighted to partner Cole as any other striker against Scotland.

The choice of Shearer's strike partner is probably Kevin Keegan's biggest dilemma ahead of the game, with Steve McManaman's withdrawal from the squad due to injury clearing the way for Phil Neville to fill a probable left wingback role.

Michael Owen is the current favourite but must convince Keegan of his match-fitness if he is to fend off the strong challenge of in-form Cole.

Shearer said "Playing in the side he's playing in, what he's achieved at Manchester United, winning the Treble and other trophies, you can't have anything but respect for people who have achieved that.

"Why should it be any different because he put something in a book? People are judged on how well they play on a football park, not what has been said or hasn't been said."

Predictably, Shearer is just as positive about partnering Owen, admiring the way that defenders are forced to drop deeper because they are scared of the youngster's pace.

"I just enjoy playing football, whether it's with Andy Cole, Michael Owen, Kevin Phillips, Emile Heskey or whoever."

Shearer insists there has been an "edge" during training this week given not only the fact that Scotland are the opposition but that the potential prize for the victors is a place at the Euro 2000 finals.

"This is tremendous, this is what you're in football for. England versus Scotland at Hampden in front of 60,000 screaming people," he declared.

Meanwhile, Scotland manager Craig Brown is facing arguably the most vital week of his career but insisted yesterday: "You won't find me hanging from the rafters if we lose."

Brown appeared relaxed and free from stress as he prepared his squad at Troon for the two play-off games at Hampden tomorrow and Wembley next Wednesday.

Scotland will be in mourning next Thursday if they lose to the Auld Enemy and there will undoubtedly be calls for Brown's head.

But he said: "You won't find me hanging from the rafters or jumping off the Kingston Bridge if we lose out."

Brown revealed that Hearts striker Gary McSwegan is now virtually certain to be ruled out of the Hampden clash even if he may yet recover from a hamstring strain in time for Wembley on Wednesday night.

Captain Colin Hendry (knee) and defender Callum Davidson (hamstring) are also doubts, but Brown expects to confirm the fitness of both today when he finalises his team.