Boss Joe Royle says he would happily write out a cheque for £150,000 to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of the season. The cash would be owed to the Owls if the Blues are promoted, as part of the Shefki Kuqi transfer deal.

Town took over Kuqi's £6,000-a-week contract with Wednesday in November 2003 after a successful loan spell at Portman Road, with £150,000 on promotion factored into the deal.

Royle said: "I would dearly love us to be writing out a cheque. I think even Shefki's biggest critics would have to agree he has done extremely well for us.

"He has been terrific since the day he came here. His enthusiasm is infectious, he has natural charm that everyone at the club loves and he has shown what he can do out on the pitch."

Kuqi has scored 15 goals this season, 13 for Town and two for Finland.

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