Huddersfield Town v Bournemouth: Lee proved his sharpness by bringing down axe on Owls

LEE CLARK has revealed how Huddersfield Town's ultimately successful pursuit of Alan Lee started the day he helped keep Crystal Palace up at the expense of Sheffield Wednesday last May.

The 32-year-old striker joined the Terriers 11 days ago and played a starring role on his debut as Charlton Athletic were comprehensively beaten 3-1 last Saturday.

Lee was a real handful for the Addicks' defence with his aerial presence taking a lot of the pressure off Jordan Rhodes, who netted the first goal.

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Clark was fulsome in his praise for Lee after that win and seems certain to start with the same strike partnership today against Bournemouth.

Talking about a striker who netted one of Palace's goals in the 2-2 draw at Hillsborough that relegated Wednesday on the final day of last season, Clark said: "Alan Lee showed why we had been pursuing him for a such a long time.

"It started last season when Dean (Hoyle, chairman) and I were at a game when he scored to keep Crystal Palace up at Sheffield Wednesday.

"We could see then how he would benefit our football club and our team."

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Town host Bournemouth today boosted by the manner of last week's performance, the three points nudging Clark's men up to sixth in the fledgling table.

Following that success with another win is now the priority for the manager, who said: "Any team that has aspirations of doing well over the course of the season has to be consistent and that means putting a run of wins together."

Clark seems certain to again start with Liam Ridehalgh after the teenager's hugely impressive debut at left-back against Charlton. The Academy graduate was singled out for praise by his manager, while captain Peter Clarke judged his display to be "the best debut" he had seen from a teenager.

Lee Peltier will come in to further strengthen the back four on the right flank after serving a suspension.

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Clark is delighted to welcome back Peltier, though he has revealed that Town may yet dip back into the transfer market when the loan window opens on Wednesday.

The Terrier manager said: " I may have to look at the loan scenario because, at the moment, all our injured players are from the defensive unit.

"In terms of natural defenders, we are a little bit thin."