PABLO Counago admitted he would be interested in joining Scottish giants Rangers permanently and feels as if he is being pushed out at Ipswich Town.

PABLO Counago admitted he would be interested in joining Scottish giants Rangers permanently and feels as if he is being pushed out at Ipswich Town, writes Derek Davis.

The Spaniard is not keen to leave the Blues and is anxious for the transfer window to close to end the speculation distraction.

SPL side Rangers, who last night went out of the Champions League against CSKA Moscow, asked about taking the former Celta Vigo striker on a two day trial but Counago refused to go.

The 25-year-old Spanish striker last night told the EADT: "The manager told me last week that Rangers wanted me to go up to Scotland and train with them for a couple of days. I said no. I have a contract with Ipswich and do not want to leave.

"I don't know why the manager suddenly wants me to go. I have read in your newspaper that it is because I'm the highest wage earner and so it is about money but no one at the club has said that to me.

"I feel the fans want me here, I want to be here. I love this club, I love the town and I want to stay.

"I did not want to go on a trial to Rangers but if they offered me something more permanent I would now have to think about it as Ipswich have made it clear they want me to go."

Counago, who hit 12 goals for Town last season and 19 the year before, has found himself vying for a place with Shefki Kuqi, who has also been allowed to talk to other clubs but has turned down the chance of playing in Korea and in Germany.

Counago told the EADT on Saturday that his erratic form was down to not playing regularly and last night admitted he is struggling to focus, knowing he could be on his way any day.

He said: "Ideally, I would like to transfer window to close and then I can just concentrate on playing football.

"My agent has been handling all the talk and business but it is bound to affect a player. I have tried to focus on football but it is difficult to get into a rhythm when you are only playing a few minutes here and there, or 45 minutes as I did on Tuesday."

Counago, who also denied any interest from Celtic, made an impact on Saturday as Town beat Cardiff, with the Spaniard playing a part in the two second-half goals.

Unfortunately, when he started against Brentford he put in a lack-lustre performance which left fans wondering where the old Pablo – who looked so good when he first arrived and went on good goal-scoring runs – has disappeared too.

An in-form Counago has shown he can be a real asset and if he was producing the goods he would be worth the wages and Town would not be looking to move him on.