Ancelotti won't sack Cole

Carlo Ancelotti insists Ashley Cole does not deserve to be sacked by Chelsea for accidentally shooting a work placement student.

The Blues announced that "appropriate action" was being taken against the defender, who last Sunday wounded 21-year-old Tom Cowan with a .22 air rifle at the club's Cobham training ground.

Surrey Police have revealed they will speak to officials from Chelsea in the coming days to determine whether any criminal offence has been committed.

Cole, who reportedly did not know the rifle was loaded when he fired at Cowan, looks to have already been punished by his club, although Ancelotti refused to reveal the precise nature of the sanction.

A fine looks the most likely option, with Ancelotti ruling out a suspension by confirming the 30-year-old would start Tuesday's Barclays Premier League game against Manchester United.

Cole has been criticised for not issuing a public apology but Ancelotti confirmed the player had done so in private.

Sports sciences student Cowan, who is on a one-year work placement, was reportedly hit in the side by a lead pellet, with his bleeding wound treated by the club's medical staff.

He did not require hospital attention and appears to have made no formal complaint to the police.

Despite taking place last Sunday, the incident only came to light a week later, suggesting the club had been keen to deal with it privately.