KOSOVO exile and Bury soccer star Kemajl Avdiu today spoke of his anguish after hearing that the men and women in his family have been separated by the war in the former Yugoslavian province.

Kemajl, 22, pictured, joined Bury FC this season from Danish club Esberg iFC and returns to Gigg Lane tomorrow following a loan spell with Scottish Second Division side Partick Thistle.

But the troubles in his homeland have preoccupied him throughout a six-week stay north of the border.

As reported in the Bolton Evening News last month, Kemajl left Kosovo with his ethnic-Albanian parents and two sisters when he was 12.

The family started a new life in Scandinavia, where his footballing ability really came to the fore.

But many of his relations still live in the Balkans. And Kemajl, who lives in Bury, is particularly worried for the men.

He explained: "The women have all moved to Albania but no one knows where the men are. Many men have been killed. I am very concerned. I have a feeling that members of my family may have died. I don't know why."

Kemajl's aunt and uncle were forced to move from Pristina and are now in Albania. One of their daughters went with them but their other daughter, who is married and also lives in Pristina, has still not been accounted for.

Kemajl said: "My mother told me that a soldier came to my aunt and uncle's house. They were afraid of being killed by the military and decided to escape to Tirana in Albania.

"I think they are okay but conditions are poor for the refugees and they are isolated.

"And even if my parents were able to see my aunt and uncle in Albania they wouldn't be able to take them to Sweden because they don't have the right papers.

"There is no country better than your own homeland. If I was in their position I would want to return home.

"I am also concerned for my best friend who fled to Austria. He is thinking about joining the Kosovo Liberation Army."

Bombing

Kemajl believes most Kosovars support the NATO bombing and that troops should go in to resolve the situation.

He said: "There are terrible things going on and it has been necessary to bomb Slobodan Milosevic because he is a dictator. He can't be reasoned with.

"I feel very lucky to be here. I feel very lucky to be safe."

Kemajl's loan spell finishes today and he expects to return to Bury tomorrow.

During five games for Partick, the midfielder scored once and won two man-of-the-match awards, helping the team to avoid relegation.

"I hope to be at Gigg Lane on Sunday for the Port Vale game," he added. "I want to stay in Bury and I hope they stay up."

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