DRISSA Diallo is hoping for a return to international football with Guinea.

Former Burnley defender Diallo has admitted watching the World Cup qualifiers with a touch of envy.

And he now hopes the alignment of the international calendar will work in his favour.

Diallo, who comes face to face with his former team mates at Portman Road tomorrow, said: "It is a dilemma for me. I love playing for my country and it is a great honour.

"The manager (Patrice Neveu) wants me to play and I would love to play in the World Cup.

"The fixtures are a lot better now as Championship games are not played when international games are on.

"Hopefully there will be a way for me to go back playing for Guinea. Perhaps the national coach will speak to Joe Royle about it and something can be sorted out."

Meanwhile, Ipswich's preparations for tomorrow's game have been marred by a war of words between out-of-favour striker Pablo Counago and manager Joe Royle.

Spaniard Counago scored his third goal in as many reserve games in midweek, but moaned: "It is hard knowing that even if I score and do well the manager doesn't want me and won't pick me.

"I don't really understand why I'm not getting the chance. I have started just two games but it doesn't matter if I score or do well, I will always be taken off or left out next time."

However, Royle hit back by saying: "I cannot allow Pablo to make nonsense statements in public without having to respond. I honestly think he is deluded.

"If he works hard and plays well there is no problem and he will be in the team."

There is absolutely no question of there being a bias against him.

"Pablo's a nice boy with a lot of talent but I don't know what he is thinking and the time has come for him to look long, hard at himself."