PETER Beardsley bids for a return to Wembley tonight knowing his skill and experience will be in big demand this summer - if not at Bolton Wanderers.

The 37-year-old former England 'legend' will be in the Fulham team at Grimsby, hoping to help the Londoners reach the Second Division play-off final.

A successful outcome - the tie is poised at 1-1 - will enhance his prospects of securing a permanent move to Craven Cottage, especially in the wake of Kevin Keegan sacking team boss Ray Wilkins last week.

But Beardsley - the forgotten man of Bolton since being loaned out to the Second Division club - has the benefit of knowing he has other irons in the fire.

Newly relegated and managerless Carlisle United, who failed in a £225,000 bid in December, are back in for the player who started his distinguished career at Brunton Park. The Cumbrian club's supremo, Michael Knighton, confirmed his renewed interest when he said: "We have made no secret of the fact we want Peter and Peter knows that. We will continue to pursue that desire.

"I think the fact that Ray Wilkins has departed (Fulham) may have some bearing on Peter's future.

"It's no secret that Kevin Keegan is probably his closest friend in football. I don't think anyone will be surprised if Peter becomes Kevin's No 2."

Chris Waddle's departure from Burnley has even led to speculation of a 'dream ticket' for Fulham with Keegan linking up with his two former Newcastle team-mates!

Beardsley still has another year on his contract with Wanderers and, prior to the club's relegation, said he could be considered good enough to play in Division One.

But Colin Todd, who loaned him out to Manchester City for a month before letting him join Fulham until the end of the season, has given every indication that he is prepared to cut his losses on the £500,000 he paid Newcastle last August.

Meanwhile, Wanderers have been linked in France with a bid to sign 30-year-old Lyon midfield star Christophe Cocard.

The sports publication L'Equipe says the former Auxerre player has been in touch with two English clubs, Bolton being one. But Todd, who will take in games on the Continent this weekend, says France is not on his itinerary and he has no interest in Cocard.

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