AT a time of the season when there is little pressure on anyone at mid-table Ipswich Town keeper Arran Lee-Barrett finds himself in a different boat.

He has been playing for his future and was rewarded on Monday with confirmation that manager Paul Jewell is going to offer him a new contract.

Lee-Barrett was left in the cold for much of the season when Marton Fulop and Brian Murphy were named in the first team squad every week.

Saturday afternoons were spent at the club’s Playford Road training ground or even shopping.

But the last three weekends have been vital to Ipswich-raised Lee-Barrett who played for two months last season after Richard Wright was injured and Asmir Begovic returned to Portsmouth.

And Lee-Barrett has come up trumps - coming into his own in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace with a string of natable saves while Fulop looked on from the bench.

“I feel I’m a better keeper for the experiences I had last season,” said Lee-Barrett, who wants nothing more than to sign a new Town contract with his current one running out in June.

“I’m mentally stronger and more confident as a keeper. I’ve learnt from last season.

“It’s down to me to show the gaffer that I should be his number one choice.

“There is a healthy competition between all the keepers, and we all want to be first choice.

“We all drive each other on. It was frustrating being out of the side, but great to be in team now, and hopefully I’ll get a run in the side.

“Saturday was the busiest game I’ve had since I’ve been back in team and I’m pleased with the way it went.

“I made a couple of important saves, but that’s what I’m there for.”