Soccer: All the field is a stage for Shannon Cole

There should be no surprise that Shannon Cole has grabbed the limelight in his two matches for Waitakere United.

As well as his obvious footballing talent, Cole, 21, is 18 months away from completing his acting degree.

"I prefer comedy, but actors don't always get a say on what they are to do," says Cole, who has picked up the man-of-the-match awards in his team's wins over Hawkes Bay United and Team Wellington.

There has been nothing flashy in his play - just an amazing skill to play at pace and link with fellow Australians Pablo and Richie Cardozo.

The trio grew up in the same Sydney suburb but did not really know one another until they linked at the West Auckland club.

Cole snuck under the radar by spending a year at a small university in the United States, where he said he was "taught a brilliant brand of football".

All attention at Waitakere pre-season was focused on the Cardozo brothers but it is Cole who has made the impression.

He and Prince Quansah have given Waitakere the opportunity to play with width and pace - except when Cole drops back to help out on defence.

"That is something I used to do but not something [Waitakere coach] Steve Cain wants," says Cole. "I'm happy to attack, and it is great to play alongside Pablo and Richie."