Ipswich Town striker Alan Lee believes his finishing has improved since being taken under the wing of Blues’ number two Terry Connor.

And in a revealing interview, the 35-year-old veteran, who will combine coaching and playing duties during his second spell at Portman Road, has also described Town’s management as mesmerising.

The former Crystal Palace man returned to Suffolk in the summer – where his family is based – and signed a non-contract deal as a player last month, having initially arrived at Playford Road to gain coaching experience.

Having been released by Huddersfield in the summer, Lee’s chances of having another crack at the Championship looked slim but the hitman is now poised and ready to go and revealed his was sharper than ever, thanks to former Leeds forward, Connor.

“I still think I can learn as a player and that is down to Terry Connor,” said Lee, speaking yesterday.

“Tomorrow the training will start at 10 but the strikers will do an extra 30 or 40 minutes working on their finishing with Terry.

“At some clubs that would be the players kicking the ball into the back of the net whereas Terry sets up specific drills that are more realistic.

“I have not had that time spent with me or anyone care about me that much for a few years.

“I have been playing as a target man, so for someone to say we are going to improve your finishing and work at different things is fantastic

“My finishing in training has got better and that’s down to Terry Connor.

“If he can teach an old donkey like me, then he’s not doing too bad!”

Connor has been McCarthy’s right-hand man for several years and the duo masterminded Wolves’ promotion to the Premier League in 2006.

Lee added: “It’s mesmerising watching the control they have over a football session (in training).

“Mick’s record speaks for itself but the training here is exceptional and everyone is tuned in.”