A former England and Premier League footballer turned out for a non-league cup game at the weekend.

Joe Cole, who made more than 550 senior appearances over his career, played 45 minutes for Radlett-based Belstone FC.

Cole, 39, is friends with Belstone manager Aaron Lincoln, and he was able to convince the former Chelsea, Liverpool, and West Ham star to play for his side, which has been based in Radlett since 1992.

The former professional footballer played the first-half of a cup match in Harefield, which Belstone won 2-1 thanks to goals from more Chelsea Academy player Perry Dicker.

Joe Cole in action for Belstone FC at the weekend. Credit: Belstone FC

Joe Cole in action for Belstone FC at the weekend. Credit: Belstone FC

The club are hopeful Cole will make another appearance when they face Sandridge Rovers at home in the next round on Saturday.

Cole, who won three Premier League trophies with Chelsea, played the central attacking midfield role in Harefield and almost got on the scoresheet when a curling shot hit the outside of the post.

Belstone groundsman's says the former England footballer's arrival has given the place a "real buzz".

Glynne Cherrington, a founder member of Belstone FC and former vice-chairman, said: "Joe is an old friend of our manager who took over towards the middle of last season.

"It was wonderful to see his level of play and it was a joy for both teams. It's a great story for the lad who was marking Joe in the game."

After the match, Cole chatted with his teammates and the opposition.

Mr Cherrington added: "It's great experience for our players. We have a lot of young players. It has given us all a real buzz after lockdown and Joe has fitted in really well. Hopefully, that appearance will be the first of many."

In recent weeks, Cole has been appearing as a television pundit for BT Sport and he is the most high profile player to turn out for Belstone.

Former Wales and Watford footballer Malcolm Allen has also turned out for Belstone in the Herts County Cup and FA Cup, while Leyton Orient footballer James Brophy played regularly for Belstone's Sunday league team before turning professional.