Royle: Counago Deluded

Last updated : 12 October 2004 By Site Editor
The striker scored last night in Town's 2-1 reserve defeat to East Anglian neighbours Norwich City, but revealed in this mornings EADT that he felt Royle had a problem with him that was not to do with football.

Howerver Royle has hit back in this afteroons Ipswich Evening Star, claiming the former Celta Vigo man is deluded: "I cannot allow Pablo to make nonsense statements in public without having to respond. I honestly think he is deluded.

"I repeat: if Pablo works hard and plays well, there is no problem and he will be in the team. There is absolutely no question of there being a bias against him.

"Pablo's a nice boy with a lot of talent but I don't know what he is thinking with this latest statement. The time has come for him to look long and hard at himself."

During the Summer and pre-season Pablo returned to training 'Fitter than ever' as described by Town boss Joe Royle at the time. However Royle has not for the first time said a conflicting report regarding his strikers fitness.

"When we reported back for pre-season training he was 20 percent down on the previous season. In a run he came behind a 53-year-old coach [Willie Donachie], who was struggling with a calf strain." the blues boss added.

Royle was however pleased with Counago's goal in last nights East Anglian Derby, but still admitted he was not showing the signs required to play in the Town first team: "I saw Pablo score an outstanding goal last night but there are times when he seems to think that running is not in his contract.

"It is there for all to see that you cannot play in the modern game unless you are properly fit."