IPSWICH Town are confident the investigation into debut-making Luciano Civelli's brother Renato in France will not impact on them at all.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town are confident the investigation into debut-making Luciano Civelli's brother Renato in France will not impact on them at all.

Concerns have been raised about Civelli's eligibility after French league (LFP) announced it is investigating the legitimacy of the Town's winger's brother Renato Civelli Italian passport.

Renato, who plays for Marseille is among a group of four Argentinians playing in France being scrutinised after it emerged Monaco's Leandre Curfe was playing under a false passport.

If Renato's passport is discovered to be granted under false pretences it would follow that Lucian's would be invalid too, although Ipswich are confident there is not an issue.

An Ipswich Town spokesman said: “The Football Association have seen Luciano's passport and all the paperwork concerning his transfer and are entirely satisfied. We are happy that there are no problems.”

The Civelli's qualify for an Italian passport through their great-granparents.

Luciano was delighted to have made his Town debut after completing his move, which could cost Ipswich up to �2m eventually, from Argentinean club Banfield.

Civelli said: “The pace of the game was quicker than what I am used to. All the time it is quick here but in the next match I will be better, more used to the pace.

“My fitness is quite good. I was pleased I lasted 70 minutes. I was a little tired then. Next match I hope will be better with the ball, when I am fitter.

“I think I will be 100 per cent fit in one or two games.”

The 22-year-old was denied a goal by the outstretched boot of Blackpool defender Alex Baptiste and hopes to make up for against Notttingham Forest on Wednesday.

Civelli said: “I had a chance and should have scored, that would have been fantastic. The goalkeeper was out of position but there were so many opponents in the box and it was hard to get my shot past them. Perhaps I could have done better.

“I did quite well but the important thing was that we won, we didn't so that is hard for the team.

“I hope that we can play better on Wednesday and win that game because it is very important.

The fans were magnificent for me. I have to say thank. They gave me a great reception and it gave me a great lift.”

Alan Quinn and David Norris will both be available for the home game against 19th-placed Forest as should Jon Walters who missed out with a stomach bug on Saturday.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk