Surprise call up for Lee
Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 2:41 pm
Stan hails “clumsy†Lee
May 9, 2006
Steve Staunton insists that Ipswich Town striker Alan Lee deserves his place in the squad because his awkward style of play will cause problems for opposing defenders.
Lee earned a somewhat surprise place in the Irish squad for the friendly against Chile later this month – although his return was overshadowed by the shock call-up of unheralded Tottenham 16-year-old Terry Dixon.
The former Cardiff City forward enjoyed a turn-round in his fortunes after moving to Ipswich in January, scoring four goals in his first six appearances for the Tractor Boys.
However, he then went eight games without scoring a goal and missed the final three weeks of the campaign through injury, so his presence in Staunton’s 29-strong squad was seen as a surprise by many.
But Stan feels Lee has plenty to offer at international level. He said: “Alan is someone who I would call a clumsy player.
“He’s someone centre halves don’t like playing against because he’ll annoy you, elbow you, kcik you and he can score goals.â€Â
