IPSWICH Town manager Joe Royle today confirmed that he is seeking to bring in “another Alan Lee” before the Blues' next game.Lee scored a magical brace in Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship 2-0 win over Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Joe Royle today confirmed that he is seeking to bring in “another Alan Lee” before the Blues' next game.

Lee scored a magical brace in Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship 2-0 win over Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.

The 27-year-old former republic of Ireland international has been an almost instant hit since moving from Cardiff City for £100,000.

And with Nicky Forster, Sam Parkin and Adam Proudlock struggling with injuries and Dean Bowditch out of favour, Royle is after a loan signing before Town entertain Leeds United tomorrow week - the day the transfer window closes.

“Sam Parkin is still our top scorer and he's been out for two months,” said Royle. “We are talking to people, and keeping our options open.

“There is capacity for a new addition, and if we are successful - and the newcomer starts as well as Alan - it will be a big bonus for us.”

Royle was full of praise for the way match-winner Lee performed against the Saints.

The Town boss said: “I'm pleased for Alan, he's come to us to start scoring goals again. I've always liked him as a player, and you can see that he can play. He turned in a complete striker's performance on Saturday.

“He isn't just a physical presence. Before Alan arrived we were playing a 4-6-0 formation, as we have had no strikers. That's hard for a side that likes to go forward.”

While Royle looks to bring in a fresh face to go with Lee, who joined a fortnight ago, there is every chance there will be some players leaving Portman Road.

Bowditch has been told he can go on loan and Gillingham and Blackpool are believed to be interested.

Kevin Horlock will not be retained in the summer, and he might depart this week, while Hartlepool are set to consider upping their £75,000 bid for Dean McDonald.

Dean Ashton's £7 million transfer to the Hammers has caused some speculation that the Canaries might come poaching for Bowditch, who made such a big impression when he made his debut as a substitute against Norwich three seasons ago.