Veteran Ipswich Town striker Alan Lee has revealed a desire to extend his love affair with the Blues, even if his playing days may be numbered.

The 35-year-old has made one substitute appearance since his return last September, having returned to join the club’s coaching staff, working primarily with the academy.

Lee’s long-term vision is to secure his UEFA A-licence coaching badge, but the former Huddersfield striker is primed for action should the need arise and is desperate to remain at the club in any capacity.

“I will do whatever is required of me to stay here,” said Lee, who scored 34 goals in 109 appearances during his first spell at the club.

“I know I can’t do what the other guys do week-in, week-out – it’s not something a 35-year-old heavyweight striker can probably do! At the same time, if there are some injuries, touch wood there aren’t, then I think I could do a job.”

He added: “I have to pinch myself the way things have worked out. I am back at the club I love, my family are here (in Suffolk) and it’s a very nice and professional place to be. I am learning loads about coaching.

“I would like to stick around but Mick McCarthy has been absolutely fantastic to me and I will basically do what I am told.”

With Town three points off the play-offs, Lee is in a familiar position having enjoyed successful promotion campaigns in the past with Huddersfield and Rotherham.

But despite his experience, the Irishman will take a watching brief for the most part.

“I’ll leave that down to the management team, they know what is expected,” said Lee.

“I’m still learning as a coach and I’ll be listening to Mick and Terry’s instructions and trying to mirror them if anything.

“But I will try and have a word with the strikers, maybe if they are having a tough patch – I know how hard it can be up there – and my experience could help.”