Ipswich Town's former striker Shefki Kuqi keen on manager's job at Portman Road

Shefki Kuqi has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant manager's job at Ipswich Town.

The Finn is a popular figure at Portman Road from his two playing spells with the club during the 2000s.

He retired from playing in 2013 and has since managed three clubs in his native Finland, although the last of those stints ended in four years ago.

Nevertheless, Kuqi is confident he would be able to turn around the Tractor Boys' ailing fortunes of late.

He told BBC Radio Suffolk: “I did put my application in. I told them where I am, they know where I am.

“I’ve been following things very closely, I’ve been to loads of games and I believe strongly I know what needs to be changed.

“I’ve always said I had the best time of my career at Ipswich Town. Since I’ve become a manager, I’ve followed very closely and I believe I know exactly what’s going on there, what the problems are and what needs to get done.”

A host of names have been linked with the role since Paul Cook was sacked on Saturday evening, including Frank Lampard, John Terry, Neil Lennon, Marc Bircham and Frank Yallop.