games against AC Milan, Beşiktaş J.K twice and the home fixture against Barcelona On 8 November 2000, Hay was again a substitute for the return leg away fixture against AC Milan which was drawn 1–1. The point gained, qualified Leeds to join group leaders AC Milan through to the last 16 of the Champions League. A hernia operation curtailed Hay's further involvement until he made a return for the Reserves team against Liverpool in January 2001. On 14 March 2001, Hay returned to the bench for the first team for the return leg fixture against Lazio at home which was drawn 3–3 and advanced Leeds into the quarter-final stage. FA Premier League On 30 September 2000, Hay made his first appearance when he came on as a 45th-minute substitute for Lucas Radebe in Leeds United's 4–3 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road. Hay became only the second New Zealander after Lee Norfolk to appear in England's top division. On 21 October 2000, Hay started in Leeds United's away fixture against Manchester United at Old Trafford which was lost 0–3. The following week Hay started in their fixture against Bradford City at Valley Parade where his headed attempt on goal was cleared from the line by Bradford defender Ian Nolan in the 12th minute. On 4 November 2000, Hay came on as a 16th-minute substitute for Jonathan Woodgate against Liverpool in a memorable 4–3 victory for Leeds. Football League Cup On 31 October 2000, Hay started for Leeds in their third round fixture in the Worthington Cup against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park which was lost 2–3 after extra time. Hay had surgery in the summer and returned for pre-season fixtures in August. On 8 August 2001, he started in the pre-season away fixture against York City which was won 4–0. On 13 August 2001, he started in the pre-season away fixture against Harrowgate Town which was won by Leeds 3–0. On 22 August 2001, Hay started in the away fixture against Selby Town FC but he aggravated a groin injury and needed further treatment. Hay still had injury worries later in the season precluding him from Leeds' first leg third round UEFA Cup away fixture against Grasshoppers Zürich on 22 November 2001. Hay made no further first team or reserve squad appearances in the season due to injury. Walsall Hay was released at the end of his Leeds United