VELICE Sumulikoski will be able to send a little bit extra home this month after securing a goal and win bonus.

Derek Davis

VELICE Sumulikoski will be able to send a little bit extra home this month after securing a goal and win bonus.

The Blues midfielder, Shumi for short, broke the deadlock with his first goal for the club to send Ipswich on their way to a 2-1 victory over Blackpool and cement their place in the play offs.

We revealed last month how the Macedonian international had bought his father, who used to work as a hotel chef, a steak restaurant, and still sends part of his wages back home to his family, including a brother and sister, in Struga.

After scoring as part of his man of the match performance on Saturday, Shumi said: “I like to send money home for my family. They are very important to me and I don't forget where I came from.

“Now I can send a bit more money home for them and I'm very happy to do that.”

As soon as Shumi scored Ipswich's opener he ran to the Town dug out to give a special hug to back up keeper Nick Colgan who signed the same day as he did.

He said: “Nick gave me a ride in to the ground. We had some banter and he told me that I would score and should go to him if I did.

“I went straight to him and now I will get a ride in with him every game.”

Shumi looks to be a £600,000 steal from Turkish side Bursaspor, especially as Blackburn Rovers were ready to offer him a contract.

After just three weeks, the 26-year-old is convinced he can still be playing in the top flight this year.

He said: “I have seen enough now to believe I have a genuine chance to play in the Premiership with Ipswich. I like the English style of football and this why I always wanted to come here and I want to play in the top league.”

Even before arriving in England Shumi was dubbed the 'Balkans' Steven Gerrard, but also admires another top Premiership star.

He said: “I mould myself on Paul Scholes and Gerrard. I try to put a bit of both of how they play into my game.”

Blues boss Jim Magilton moved quickly when Shumi landed on his doorstep and is delighted with the capture.

He said: “Shumi is a good player. He and Tommy (Miller) complement each other and it is all about forming partnerships all over the park.

“He has brought us a bit more composure, experience and goals. His finish was a wonderful strike and if he keeps hitting them like that he will get plenty more goals.”

Former Town star Darren Ambrose who scored in Charlton's 2-2 draw with Wolves has again been linked with Town but it is unlikely Magilton will make a move for the midfielder.