Manchester City striker Andy Cole clams to have declined an offer from Ghana to be a part of their coaching staff at the World Cup this summer.

The 34-year-old has been out of action since February with knee ligament damage, but has hinted at the possibility of moving into coaching when his playing days expire.

Ghana approached Cole through an intermediary about the possibility of him coaching their strikers in their first appearance at the finals.

But the former England striker feels that while he is recuperating from surgery he won't be able to give the role his best, as the Black Stars try to qualify from a group containing Italy, USA and the Czech Republic.

He said: "They (Ghana) approached someone I know about the possibility of me coaching their strikers at the World Cup, but as I've got the injury I don't think I'll be able to take up the role.

"You need to be active to carry out that type of role, but it would have been something I would have considered doing.

"If someone approaches me to do some coaching I'm not one of those players who'll say 'I'm not interested'. Coaching is definitely something I'll consider in the future.

"There is no link with me and Ghana but I think with most of those African nations the coaches have no link with the countries anyway so it makes no difference."

The former Manchester United marksman made the cross-city move - via Blackburn and Fulham - at the start of last term on a one-year deal.

And despite having his campaign prematurely ended by the injury, Cole still plundered 10 goals for Stuart Pearce's team in just 23 appearances.

Although the striker is expected to sign another 12-month deal with the Eastlands outfit, he is already making plans for life after the game.

He added: "I'm still enjoying it now and I hope to enjoy it next season.

"I've not enjoyed the back end of the season as much, with the injury and that, and not being able to perform how you want to perform. But overall I'm still enjoying it.

"I'm starting my coaching badges in the summer and will hopefully maintain it right through the season and get my level two.

"There are so many levels of coaching these days - five years ago some schoolteacher could become a coach but it's a lot more difficult these days."