ALAN Lee has revealed the secret to his storming start to the season after four goals in three games.The Blues striker has put it down to feeling fit, being happy and - eating pineapple.

By Derek Davis

ALAN Lee has revealed the secret to his storming start to the season after four goals in three games.

The Blues striker has put it down to feeling fit, being happy and - eating pineapple.

Lee is enjoying a career best season opening and believes an injury free run, coupled with signing new two-year deal and a passion for tropical fruit, has been key to success.

The Irishman, who turned 29 last Monday, said: “I didn't have a pre-season last year and this time we came back early. “I have not missed a day's training and I'm feeling fit and healthy. I'm also happy as the extension on my contract means my head is clear and I can focus on what I need to do.”

While his team-mates chomp on jellybeans and Jaffa Cakes to keep their energy levels high, Lee goes for the more exotic.

He said: “For me it is pineapples, chunk or rings. I feel more energetic in training and I'm just generally happy so it is exciting.”

The former Rotherham and Cardiff City striker has pushed the summer speculation about a possible move away, and a road accident involving a cyclist, to the back of his mind to concentrate on his job and is looking to top the 17 goals he got last year.

Lee said: “It has been a god start but I'm not getting carried away. My aim is to go score more than last year and for us to challenge for promotion, so I want to stay focused.

“During the contract negotiations it was a case of you just having to put it out of your mind

“The car accident was a very stressful time and my thoughts are still with the gentleman concerned.”

Manager Jim Magilton has been delighted his leading scorer but is demanding more and will be looking for him to show

He said: “I'm very pleased with Alan four goals in three games is excellent but he can be better.

“I'm not sure if that talk about his new contract has made him mentally tougher but it has made him financially better off.

“Alan is one of those lads who needed to settle and by his own account this is his Mecca so he is happy and when players are relaxed an scoring goals then the world is a lovely place.

“The mental toughness will come if he goes through a goal drought.”

Lee was also quick to praise his strike partners Pablo Counago and Jon Walters who have been instrumental in his goal tally.

He said: “Pablo's a good man to play with as he is looking to pay you in and he has set me up with a couple of goals. Jon's cross for me last Saturday was excellent and I was able to put it away

“Jon has had an exceptional start to the season. He has been our best player in the first few games even though he ahs had to do a lot of running, a different sort of work.”

derek.davis@archant.co.uk