Town striker Pablo Couñago has hit out at boss Joe Royle, claiming his lack of first team chances are nothing to do with football. Couñago scored his third goal in three games for the reserves last night against Norwich.

The Spaniard said: "It is hard knowing that even if I score and do well the manager doesn't want me and won't pick me.

"A lot of people can see what is going on and it is a difficult situation for me.

"I know it is not about my football. I'm fit, I'm scoring, I'm training well and I'm doing well when I play in the first team.

"Something is happening that is not to do with football. The manager doesn't want me here and everyone can see that."

Earlier in the season manager Joe Royle slammed Couñago for his bad attitude and lack of fitness.

The former Celta Vigo man has made just two starts this season, with current top scorer Shefki Kuqi and Darren Bent ahead of him in the pecking order.

It seemed likely that the ex-Spain U21 would leave in the summer with the Blues keen to rid themselves of his near £20,000 a week wage. However, despite being made available on a free transfer, no interested parties came forward.

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