Kuqi reconciles differences

Shefki Kuqi has reconciled his differences with Finnish coach Jyrki Heliskoski.

The pair clashed after Finland's game with Macedonia when Heliskoski relegated Kuqi to the substitutes' bench.

As a result Kuqi was left out of the Finnish squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Romania and Czech Republic.

Kuqi has since stated that he will not play for Finland again until next year when Roy Hodgson takes charge.

The argument erupted following the match with Macedonia.

Heliskoski had said: "Shefki's injury is a mental one. Despite many attempts, he has not agreed to communicate with me.

"As a last resort I approached him by letter and am aware that he received it, but I got no response. I can imagine that his problem is due to me not considering him an automatic starting choice."

Kuqi replied: "I'd like to know how many times he tried to contact me.

"After the Macedonia game he didn't call even once. He knows full well that I always pick up his calls and reply when he leaves messages.

"It seems I can't fit into the starting XI. I don't want to criticise anyone, but I do feel I've done enough to merit a starting role."

The row has now been settled, but still the two are not in agreement about Kuqi's role.

Heliskoski confirmed at a press conference that the two had now settled their differences, although he added that Kuqi still would not be picked.

"When all our strikers are healthy, I don't see Shefki as a starter," he said.

"There's nothing to cover up here."