Kuqi Move Gets Closer

By Aydan Anderson
November 10 2004

A move for Finland under-21 striker Njazi Kuqi appears to have taken a step forward after the youngster impressed during a week long trial at the blues.

As revealed a few weeks ago on BlueNosesOnline.com, Finnish under-21 international Njazi Kuqi is in talks with blues about a possible move to the club in January.

The striker has been on trial at Wast Hills over the last week and has impressed manager Steve Bruce and coach Eric Black. It is believed Kuqi will extend his trial period for a further week as Bruce wants to see him in a competitive game.

"We're thinking about maybe bringing him over in January when the transfer window opens.

"He's done excellently in the training sessions we've had.

"We'd love to see him in a game but we haven't been able to because of the Premier League ruling that you can't play him in the reserve league." said Bruce.

Kuqi, brother of Ipswich striker Shefki, plays for Finnish side FC Lahti and is believed to be available for around £500,000. This would be a useful acquisition for the squad and Bruce feels he could be one for the future but does not want to draw comparisons with fellow Fin Mikael Forssell.

"He's only young and one for the future but he looks a decent prospect,"

"Although he's a good player I don't think it would be fair to see him as the next Mikael Forssell because he's not quite ready for that."