I'm staying.

Kieron Dyer fired the defiant message as Ipswich's hopes of a Premiership place evaporated at an emotionally-charged Portman Road.

The England under-21 international scored twice as Ipswich won 4-3 on the night but lost out to Bolton on away goals.

Straight away the talk was of Dyer and other Town stars leaving for a top Premier club. But the 20-year-old denied he was on his way out.

He said: "I don't see why I should be leaving. I'm contracted to the club and I want to stay here for at least another three years.

"The club is a selling club but why does it have to be me? The club has great assets in people like David Johnson, Richard Wright, Matty Holland and James Scowcroft. People talk about me but there are other assets.

"I just want to get promoted with Ipswich. I love the club. I love the fans I have my friends my family everyone is here.

"The fans here were magnificent. Even though we lost out they gave us a standing ovation. They deserve an award themselves."

Blues boss George Burley vowed he would not force players out.

He said: "It is up to the players. A player doesn't want to leave he will not go. We have a number of quality players here.

"There is no doubt at some point they may want to go to a bigger club. There are a lot of Premiership clubs interested in our players."

Dyer threw his shirt, shin pads boots into the North Stand in an emotional farewell to the season.

He said: "I did it last year. You never know what will happen in the summer. Anyway I won't be needing them now so It's a good momento for the crowd."

Bolton's Bob Taylor hit a brace and Per Frandsen another goal to win through to a Wembley final against Watford or Birmingham who play tonight.

Dyer said: "The game had everything. All credit to Bolton, to score three goals at Portman Road is an unbelievable achievement.

"So congratulations to Bolton and I wish them all the best. Our guys were magnificent. We created so many chances everyone played so well.

"I basically just ran my socks into the ground and gave it my all for Ipswich Town FC. I'm pleased with my goals, especially the header, my first ever.

"I guided it in and was pleased to see it dip in. I thought Matt Holland in particular was magnificent."

Kieron Dyer celebrating his 90th minute goal with Blues coach John Gorman

(Right) Kieron Dyer challenges a Bolton player in one of the game's many midfield tussles

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.