It is a view which has been rejected by Giggs’ club colleagues and manager Alex Ferguson.

And though tomorrow Cole will be out to inflict more misery on a man he shared a dressing room with for eight years, he has no hesitation in leaping to the 29-year-old’s defence.

“The criticism Ryan has been getting is embarrassing,” said Cole, who scored 93 goals in 195 league appearances for the club until his move to Blackburn just over 12 months ago.

“Everyone knows he is a top player and for people to be saying he is past it or not as hungry as he used to be is a load of rubbish.

“I would have Ryan in my team every week. He is a great player and people should appreciate what he has done for Manchester United over the past 11 years rather than talk about his indifferent form this season.”

Not that Cole will be extending too many pleasantries Giggs’ way until after the final whistle at Ewood Park tomorrow.

He insists neither he nor strike partner Dwight Yorke have special incentive to win tomorrow’s Worthington Cup semi-final encounter, even though they were both shown the door by Ferguson despite bagging over 50 goals between them in United’s treble campaign.

Yet the victory champagne is bound to taste that much sweeter, just as it did for Cole after he scored the winner in last year’s final to beat a Tottenham side managed by Glenn Hoddle, who had pilloried the striker during his stint as England boss.

“A lot is made of me and Dwight playing against United but while we enjoyed our time there we have both moved on now and are trying to make the most of it,” said the 31-year-old.

“It is just another semi-final you want to win, irrespective of the opposition.”

While Cole is a European veteran, he is acutely aware of the added dimension continental opposition can add to a season, even if this year’s UEFA Cup run ended abruptly at the hands of Celtic.

And it is that, and the incentive of another cup final Cardiff trip, he insists is the major spur for victory tomorrow.

“It is very important to bring European football to Ewood again,” he said.

“I have enjoyed it over the years and younger players appreciate it more.

“If you qualify for Europe you also have a better chance of attracting quality players to the club.

“The Worthington Cup was a big competition for me last season. It was the only medal I hadn’t won, so it completed the set and it was the first time Blackburn had won anything for a number of years. It was a special feeling and one we would like to repeat.”

David Thompson’s leveller earned Blackburn a surprise 1-1 first leg draw a fortnight ago and Souness’ side approach tomorrow night’s game with an air of confidence, having beaten United in a pre-Christmas Premiership fixture courtesy of Garry Flitcroft’s first-half winner.

The Rovers boss has stuck by bad-boy defender Andy Todd, despite his dismissal against Birmingham at the weekend for deliberately kicking Christophe Dugarry and has all his major stars available, with the exception of transfer-listed David Dunn, who has again been omitted from the squad.

Rovers are unbeaten in nine games – albeit a run which includes five draws - and Cole and Yorke have so far provided 17 goals between them, a signal that, after a series of early-season injuries, they are well capable of firing Blackburn up the table.

It was certainly enough to leave Souness in somewhat whimsical mood despite the importance of tomorrow’s tie.

“The problem for both Andy and Dwight earlier in the season was fitness,” he said.

“For strikers, the dividing line between getting goals and not getting them is extremely fine.

“But it was only a matter of time before they got fit and after that it’s like riding a bike – or making love to a beautiful woman – you never forget.”