By Ian Hughes

McLeod is itching to get back on the pitch again

Last summer striker Izale McLeod was ready to leave MK Dons, desperate to play at a higher level.

Martin Allen had just been installed as the new manager at the club and he made it clear that if McLeod wanted to leave, he would allow him to go.

But fast forward a few months, McLeod is captain and has notched 20 goals already this term as the Dons charge for promotion from League Two.

McLeod told BBC Sport: "Last summer I had a meeting with the gaffer and we talked about the future.

"I'm not sure we started off shakily, it was more that we didn't know each other. As the months have rolled on we have got to know each other and everything is fine.

I will continue to play at Milton Keynes and give 100% until I'm not an MK player Izale McLeod

"I'm enjoying my football and I'm enjoying scoring goals - hopefully the season will end nicely with promotion."

MK Dons turned down a �1m bid for McLeod from Peterborough last October and a similar bid from Wolves at the start of 2006.

And with the 22-year-old in prolific form, demand for his services is likely to grow.

So it is vital that MK Dons can match the England Under-21 international's ambition if they want to keep him.

McLeod said: "I am an ambitious person and I want to be playing in the top flight.

"If that happens, it happens and if it doesn't I will continue to play at Milton Keynes and give 100% until the day comes when I'm not an MK player.

"I have to keep playing well and we will see what happens."

Aside from the obvious frustration at having to sit and watch his team-mates while he completes his ban, McLeod is happy with how things are going.

He said: "We have been in the top three for the majority of this season - we have the new stadium coming and the club is very ambitious.

"When we first moved to Milton Keynes in 2004, there was a lot of publicity around that move and a lot of people who did not agree with it.

The most important thing is for the club to win promotion Izale McLeod

"But we're in our third season now and we have good support and the fans are great. I think we have got our own identity now."

And as an individual, McLeod is enjoying his most productive season at the club, having already scored more goals this season than the 18 he managed in each of the last two campaigns.

He said: "When I scored my 20th goal I was really pleased but I'm not content with that, I want to get back on the pitch and keep scoring.

"I'm a confident person and it's possible I can get to 30 goals. But I have to work hard and try to get back in the team first and foremost. And hopefully the goals will still flow for me.

"But winning promotion is my main aim. If we get into League One, everyone at the club will be ecstatic.