x

Town Wait on Shefki - Ipswich Town News

Manager Joe Royle says he will wait on the fitness of striker Shefki Kuqi ahead of Saturday's top of the table clash at Wigan. The Finnish international is convinced he will be OK to play some role at the JJB Stadium.

Royle said: "Shefki certainly thinks he has a chance and we haven't totally given up on him. He will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness.

"But he still hasn't played football since the injury and I have a couple of ideas in my head as to what we will do at Wigan if he doesn't make it."

Kuqi himself is hassling Town's medical staff to give him the go-ahead: "Things are improving all the time and I know I'm a quick healer, but it's the first time I've had an injury like this and I know it has to be properly healed inside before I can start playing again.

"I feel I am ready to go and do this and do that but these guys know their job and I have to be guided by what they say."

Kuqi picked up the gash to his thigh in the 2-1 win against Leicester. In his absence the Blues have picked up just one point from three games.

Town are also without James Scowcroft on Saturday as the loanee is suspended after reaching five bookings.

If Kuqi fails to make it into the starting line-up he may be on the bench with Spaniard Pablo Couñago and Dean Bowditch amongst Royle's attacking options. Midfielder Darren Currie could also be used as a striker.

Town's lack of frontmen could also mean that youngsters Darryl Knights and Billy Clarke might be in with a shout at a place on the bench.

There will be no Jason De Vos for Town at Wigan, the former Latic unable to face his old side having also reached five bookings. Loanee David Unsworth looks likely to move into the middle with Matt Richards or Danny Karbassiyoon coming in at left-back.

Manager Royle has revealed that last season's Player of the Year Ian Westlake will be recalled to the starting line-up against the Lancastrians.

What to read next:

Town Women to Host Villa U21s in Friendly
Ipswich Town Women will play a friendly against WSL side Aston Villa’s U21s at the Martello Ground in Felixstowe on Sunday 17th August (KO 2pm).
Town Yet to Open Young Talks
TWTD understands Town are yet to open talks with veteran former England international Ashley Young, but there is interest.
Veteran Ex-England International Young 'Likely' to Join Town
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is reportedly likely to join the Blues this summer.
Blues Among Clubs Linked With Liverpool Youngster
Town are reported to be among a number of clubs eyeing a loan move for Liverpool midfielder James McConnell.
Long Melford Friendly Off
Town’s U21s’ pre-season friendly against Long Melford at Stoneylands on Tuesday evening has been called off with John McGreal’s side in action at Needham Market that night (KO 7.45pm).
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Chaplin: New Trio Impressing Everyone
Town forward Conor Chaplin says he and his teammates have been impressed by the new arrivals of David Button, Cedric Kipre and Azor Matusiwa.
Nigerian Youngster on Trial With U21s and U18s
Nigerian youngster Sunday Joseph is among the trialists to have featured the Blues’ U21s and U18s during pre-season.
U18s Beaten at Brightlingsea
Town's U18s were well-beaten 4-1 by Isthmian League North Division side Brightlingsea Regent at North Road in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon.
McKenna: We Need to Expand Our Scouting Networks and Recruit From Different Markets
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about his first two outfield signings, Azor Matusiwa and Cedric Kipre, who played a half each in today’s 4-1 friendly win at Blau-Weiß Linz, and says the Blues need to be in a position to recruit more players from overseas.