Joe on Kuqi Cats Link - Ipswich Town News

Town manager Joe Royle says he wouldn't allow striker Shefki Kuqi to go to Sunderland on a free transfer if a bid came in from Mick McCarthy. A report earlier today linked the Black Cats with the Finnish international.

Royle said: "I'm not sure I would let him go there on a free.

"You have to look after number one, so why should we help one of our rivals?"

Kuqi has decided to stay at Portman Road despite interest from Hansa Rostock and Royle has told him that at the top of his form he will be in the team: "Shefki actually loves it here, but he was disappointed that he wasn't in the side at the end of last season.

"What I have said to him is this: 'Give us the kind of form you showed when you first came here and you'll be in the team'."

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