Coleen's new chav rival

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If so, Coleen McLoughlin should be very flattered indeed.

One glimpse at fellow footballer's fiancee Alex Curran shows that Mrs Wayne Rooney-to-be is having a massive fashion influence.

Miss Curran, 21, who is to marry Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, seems to have more in common with Miss McLoughlin than simply a famous footballer at her side.

First there is her identical long, blonde streaked hairdo, coyote fur-trimmed designer jacket and, of course, the obligatory diamond engagement ring.

Not to mention a taste for Mukluk rabbit fur boots and Juicy Couture tracksuits.

Both young women also have formidable shopping habits. With the help of Gerrard's £70,000 weekly wage, Miss Curran has been matching MIss McLoughlin Gucci handbag for Armani belt in the spending stakes.

To make sure she gets the look exactly right, she has even been frequenting Miss McLoughlin's favourite shop, Cricket, in Liverpool - seemingly to make sure she has a duplicate of every item in the 18-year-old's wardrobe.

With Manchester United's wonderkid Rooney bringing home a mere £50,000 a week, Miss McLoughlin may not have the spending power to outdo her fashion fan.

The women met when they stayed at the same hotel in Portugal during last year's European Championships, while their fiances were playing for England. With the Posh and Becks show looking a little worse for wear, there could soon be a vacancy for the number one footballer's wife. No doubt both Miss McLoughlin and Miss Curran will be equally prepared to step in.