Coventry City manager Andy Thorn is resigned to losing his top scorer during the current mid season transfer window.
Lukas Jutkiewicz has been the subject of continuous speculation surround possible moves to either Middlesbrough or Southampton, but Thorn has assured fans that if Jutkiewicz is fit to play on Saturday against The saints in the FA Cup, he will play even if it means he will be cup tied.
Jutkiewicz took a hefty knock to his lower back at West Ham last week and is considered a doubt for Saturday, but Thorn is keen to reassure fans that they should not read anything into his absence should he fail to recover in time for the game.
As for the 22 year old striker, he has said he is committed to Coventry City and will continue to do his best for his club for as long as he is a Sky Blue.
Thorn told the CT, “Juke is sore and will be a doubt for Saturday but if he’s fit he’ll play, and I’ll promise everyone that.
“In fairness to the kid he did it in the first couple of minutes when he fell on his back.
"I asked him to stay on because of their height from set plays and he was more than willing to put a shift in for the club, which I was more than pleased about. Some players might be off straight away but his attitude and professionalism while all this has been going on has been first class.
"He has flown the flag for us up front and has always been there to have a go and never once ducked the issue, so he’s been brilliant – a real good pro.
“He’s busting a gut to play for us and he’ll continue to do that until he’s told different.”
With no money to spend on strengthening his small and inexperienced squad, Thorn knows he will have to wheel and deal to bring in new players and if that means losing one of his best players to raise cash then he is prepared to do so.
Most City fans are also resigned to losing the club's leading scorer. Jutkiewicz has scored nine goals so far this season and is only half way through his three year contract, but Thorn insists he will continue to select Jutkiewicz as long as he is fit and capable of fulfilling his job.
Thorn explained, “I understand the financial difficulties at the club and all that but he won’t be missing any games because he’s going to another club.
“If he goes further on in January he does, but I can assure you my team won’t be picked by anyone else but me and I have had assurances on that.
“If he’s missing on Saturday I am sure the scaremongers will be out. He may well go in the future, I don’t know, but he won’t be missing the game on Saturday if he’s fit. If he doesn’t play that will be because he is injured.”
Source: FOOTYMAD
