If Joe Cole is to burn bright again, the only way forward is through the Chelsea exit

Joe Cole has every right to feel sorry for himself right now. Left out by his country and given the familiar role of bit-part player for his club, it is not a golden moment in his career.

Cole deserves better on both fronts and he is going to have to think hard about the best way to get it. At 28, the playmaker is heading towards what is usually considered  the most  important contract of a playing career.

He should be entering his peak as a  player and enjoying the rewards on and off  the pitch. Instead, it looks like Cole's Chelsea contract could expire before a new one  is agreed and his role at the club, six-and-a-half years after joining, remains unclear.

Nearly a third  of his Chelsea appearances have come from the bench and he  seldom seems to  finish games that he starts. Injuries have been a problem but even when Cole has been fit, he has never completely fitted in at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho may have forced him to add discipline to his game but he is a  maverick  at heart and the modern Chelsea don't have much room for them.

As a result, and despite everything he has achieved, it is hard not to fee the former West Ham player still has potential to fulfill. Leaving a big, successful club that he clearly loves to try to get the best out of himself would be an extremely radical move for Cole.

It could cost him money, prestige and medals, but there are other teams who could accommodate his talents better.