ALAN Lee helped Ipswich fire a warning shot to the rest of the Championship and did his international prospects no harm in the process.Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton was at St Andrews to watch Lee put in an industrious and goal-getting performance in the win over Birmingham.

By Derek Davis

ALAN Lee helped Ipswich fire a warning shot to the rest of the Championship and did his international prospects no harm in the process.

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton was at St Andrews to watch Lee put in an industrious and goal-getting performance in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham.

Lee has already been in Staunton's thoughts but injury has prevented him from joining his country's squad of late but is in line for a call up against Cyprus in early October.

The Town striker said: “It is always nice to score in front of your international manager. I'm already part of the squad but this may help my chances a little.”

Lee led by example to inspire Ipswich to twice take the lead against the former League leaders and frustrated Bruno N'Gotty so much that the Frenchman was red-carded.

But little had some sympathy for his opponent and said: “He caught me on the ankle as I went past him celebrating. It was not really malicious, more instinctive. It was a bit harsh for him but the rules say if you lash out then you are going to be shown a red card.”

There was nothing harsh about the two Town goals and Lee is convinced Ipswich should have been celebrating victory and not just a single point.

He said: “We are disappointed not to have won. I had a chance, as did a couple of other lads and we conceded two sloppy goals.

“Birmingham had the better of the first 25 minutes but once we started stroking the ball about we were difficult to play against.

“It was a good battle but it eventful and enjoyable.

Lee was delighted to get off the mark, although had predicted that he was due a goal.

He said: “I said I needed chances and I got a couple and was able to take it. I might have had another when I took a bit more time than I had and should have taken it first time.”

Meanwhile, Blues boss Jim Magilton is convinced the Blues have uncovered a footballing diamond in Bury Town defender Ian Miller.

Magilton said: “We have offered Ian as contract until the end of the season. We are still in talks with Bury. Ian has done extremely well when playing in a couple of reserve game and done very well and I feel he is worth a taking a chance on. It is a big step to go from non-league to this level but we feel he has all the attributes to be a very good player.

“He needs a bit more coaching but we feel we have uncovered a little gem.”