Mpenza has started three games and made six substitute appearances

Manager Paul Sturrock will discuss Emile Mpenza's future after the ex-Belgium international failed to leave Plymouth during the transfer window.

The club had been prepared to let the 30-year-old striker, who is the club's highest wage earner, leave Home Park after failing to settle at the club.

But, with no offers for Mpenza, boss Paul Sturrock says he will stay.

"Emile and I will have to sit down and make sure he's appreciative of his situation here," he told BBC Devon.

"He has to be competitive for a game," added Sturrock, who has seen the former Manchester City and Standard Liege forward make just three starts for Argyle since joining in September.

During his time at the club Mpenza, who has also played for Schalke and Hamburg, has been dogged by a series of injuries and is currently recovering from illness.

"It's so frustrating," said Sturrock. "It's frustrating for the players and frustrating for us because at the end of the day we're not getting the value from him.

"There's been glimpses of Emile, but very few, because of the stop-start season he's had through injuries and illness."

Sturrock added that he hopes Mpenza will return to full training soon and push to try and get back in the side.

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