Lee sets his sights on the Premiership
ALAN Lee, the man who effectively sent Leeds United down to League One, has his sights set on the Premiership. And with Ipswich.The 28-year-old struck with a glancing 88th minute headed equaliser at Elland Road on Saturday leaving Leeds needing a near-miracle to stay in the Coca-Cola Championship.
By Elvin King
ALAN Lee, the man who effectively sent Leeds United down to League One, has his sights set on the Premiership. And with Ipswich.
The 28-year-old struck with a glancing 88th minute headed equaliser at Elland Road on Saturday leaving Leeds needing a near-miracle to stay in the Coca-Cola Championship.
It was Lee's 17th goal of the season - a record for the Republic of Ireland international.
He admitted he was pleased to be back in the team after starting the previous two games on the bench - frustrating his chances of reaching his 20-goal target.
“The gaffer told me he wanted to look at different pairings up front,” said Lee.
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“He is of course entitled to do that, but like every footballer I am not happy sitting on the bench.
“And I think I did my talking on the pitch on Saturday.
“I was delighted with my finish and my performance.”
Since the January Amsterdam adventure of seven Town players, Lee having a long-term future with Ipswich has been seen as unlikely by some.
But the striker has no doubts where he wants to be at the start of next season.
“It is no secret that I love it at Ipswich,” he said.
“I have no intention of moving and please God I will stay.
“Sometimes things do get out of your own control, but I want to play in the Premiership with Ipswich.”
Lee is right to be proud of his 17 goals for a club that have spent the majority of the season in the lower half of the table.
“It compares well and if we had had two players scoring regularly - like Colchester - we would have been higher up the table,” said Lee, who was a bargain £100,000 signing from Cardiff last season.
“Alex Bruce made a dummy run and I lost my marker for the goal.
“It was a deliberate flick to earn a point we deserved although I take no pleasure in sending Leeds down.”
Lee's previous goal record was 16 for Rotherham in what is now League One.
