SHEFKI Kuqi is the Ipswich player Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore most feared. He was interested in signing Kuqi when the Finland striker was with Sheffield Wednesday, and heaved a sigh of relief when he was not in Town's starting line-up on Saturday.

By Elvin King

SHEFKI Kuqi is the Ipswich player Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore most feared.

He was interested in signing Kuqi when the Finland striker was with Sheffield Wednesday, and heaved a sigh of relief when he was not in Town's starting line-up on Saturday.

But Kuqi came on at the interval and along with fellow substitute Martijn Reuser played a big part in Ipswich Town's recovery to grab three vital First Division points.

Kuqi said: “I was booed by Rotherham fans because of my time with neighbouring Wednesday, but it only acted to spur me on.

“I scored at Millmoor for Wednesday and I think their fans must still remember that. And apparently the manager as well.”

Kuqi revealed how Town goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster has helped him to find the back of the net.

“There is no one better equipped than a keeper to pass on information where to place shots,” added Kuqi, who now has a total of 15 league goals this season.

“I have been staying on after training to practice with Malcolm and the goalkeepers, and it paid off on Saturday as I only had one thing on my mind when Darren Bent headed the ball to me.”

Kuqi added: “It was a must-win result for us. A few other times results have gone for us and we have not taken advantage, but we did on Saturday.

“Even when we were behind we still have belief in ourselves, and this will stand us in good stead for the run-in.

“A play-off berth appears to be in our own hands now and as long as we continue to do our job we should finish in the top six. This was a massive result.”

Jermaine Wright, in typical fashion, talked down his spectacular 66th minute equalising goal.

He said: “I thought as the ball came over that I can score here. I do it in training so why not today?

“I had one thing on my mind when I struck the shot, and was delighted when the ball went into the net.”