COLE FEELING THE STRAIN OF CRITICS

ARSENAL and England full back Ashley Cole has said that he is reeling from the criticism that he has received after his Champions League sending-off against Mallorca, and admitted that he is feeling the strain mentally.

The 20-year-old was shown the first red card of his career in Spain and says that he has been hurt by the weight of criticism he has received as a result.

"Physically, I'm not tired," Cole told The Sun. "But if anything I'm suffering a bit with the mental strain of everything that's gone on in the recent past. It's a lot to take in.

"I'm absolutely amazed by what's been said and the criticism. It upsets me.

"One day everyone reckons I'm great and they want me to become the England left-back.

"The next I'm rubbish and don't deserve a place in the squad at all. It's unbelievable."

"I try not to let it bother me but I'm a young pro full of ambition and trying my hardest to establish myself for my club and country.

"I know I've got a lot to learn. I'm only 20, what do people expect?"

Cole was also accused of being a cheat, by Leeds boss Davod O'Leary who claimed he had been guilty of diving during Arsenal' ill-tempered 2-1 defeat at Highbury, but Cole insists that he is no cheat.

"I was a bit disappointed at what David O'Leary said about me. I don't know why he did.

"I'm not a diver and always play to the rules. I was on the floor when the ball was kicked at me, how could I have dived?"

Cole insists that the experienced defenders at Arsenal will help him to develop, and believes boss Arsene Wenger does not share the view of many of his critics.

"The boss doesn't seem too unhappy with me about the sending off. He hasn't spoken to me about it.

""I just want to get on with my career. It's good to know the rest of the Arsenal boys are right behind me.

"It's comforting to have experienced opinions to help you out.

"I know one thing - I never want to get sent off again. It's never happened before, even during my Sunday football days."