Lee’s case for the defence

Lee’s case for the defence

NONCHALANT Kieran Lee is happy to carry on playing in whichever position his manager selects him.

Last season's player of the year has been operating as a left-back lately, to cover injury absentee Paul Black and suspended Bradley Diallo.

With Diallo set to return for the visit to St James Park to face Exeter tomorrow (3pm), it is likely Athletic's most dependable asset will start on the right once more.

Whatever the defensive solution found by manager Paul Dickov as he tries to get the team back to winning ways, Lee isn't one who will kick up a fuss.

"When I was younger, I played on the left side, so it doesn't really affect me — though obviously, the right is more natural," said the 23-year-old former Manchester United trainee.

"I don't mind, as long as I am playing.

"Personally, I don't mind who plays where defensively.

"Everyone is told in training the way we are going to play, so I don't think it is really a problem."

One thing Lee is keen to do, though, is aid Athletic's attack on a more consistent basis.

The only way he will be able to do so is if the team takes more care in the build-up than was the case in last week's 2-0 home loss to Brentford.

"I felt like I was forward more last year," added Lee, who netted twice in 43 appearances in 2010-11.

"It can't always be like that, though, and we have to be passing the ball and playing for me to be able to make runs into opposition territory."

That loss to the London side was Athletic's first in five matches and followed up straight on-the-road victories at Walsall and Leyton Orient, a sequence away from Boundary Park they seek to extend against an Exeter side currently second-bottom in npower League One.

"It was disappointing last week, but we are determined to put it right and win at Exeter," added Lee.

"After the performances we put in to win twice away from home, I can't really put my finger on what went wrong against Brentford. Hopefully, we can improve.

"Exeter are a good side, who don't deserve to be where they are.

"But we will be going down there looking to win and if we play like we can, we will get it. We can definitely push on up the table."

Lee also confirmed that he would "definitely" sign a new contract, if and when it was offered to him.

"I don't know what is happening, as it is up to the club as well — it is not just my decision," said the player, whose current deal expires this summer.