Town manager Joe Royle has hit out at striker Pablo Couñago for his less than committed approach over the summer and during the opening period of the season. Spanish striker Couñago, the club's highest-paid player, said earlier that he felt forced out of the club and complained about lack of first team opportunities.

Royle says the frontman only has himself, and perhaps his advisors, to blame: "Pablo's attitude has not been right, his fitness has not been right and his form has not been right.

"I think he's a nice lad, but I believe he has been badly advised. All the answers lie with Pablo - it's really up to him.

"When we reported back for pre-season training he was grossly unfit, easily the most unfit player in the entire squad.

"All the players had fitness schedules and it was clear that Pablo had not done anything in the summer."

Royle says he had hoped Couñago, recently made available on a free transfer, was back on the right track after an improved display as a sub late on against Cardiff but the Spaniard again disappointing and was substituted at half-time.

The Town manager says he has talked about the situation with the 25-year-old, who is interesting Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic, and unsurprisingly the pair see matters differently: "I've spoken to Pablo and let's just say we don't see things the same way.

"I've told him that it's basically up to him. I've said 'If you play well, score goals, do as you're told, run, you'll be in the team'.

"My main concern is (a) the team, (b) the team and (c) the team and if Pablo shows his true ability he'll be in the team."

Those running Town's finances might see things slightly differently, with Couñago the only player still on a large Premiership contract.

The Blues' Company Voluntary Arrangement which saw them exit administration last year outlined a cut in the wage bill to £5 million by this season. Couñago's salary of nearly £20,000-a-week comes to around a fifth of that figure.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls