Villa’s promising young centre back has had an eventful start to the campaign this season and after breaking into the team last year, has earned himself a new long-term contract with the club. Clark began the season in the team, starting in the 3-0 victory over West Ham before the Newcastle game which we don’t like to speak about. The 21-year-old has featured in both Villa’s Carling Cup ties this year as well as playing the majority of the match against Chelsea due to injury to Richard Dunne, holding his own against messes Anelka and Malouda. His contract was due to run out next summer which had even attracted reported interest from the likes of Manchester United. He has extended his current deal until 2014 to ward off any unwanted interest in his services. In the past month Clark also had to make the gutsy call to opt to represent the Republic of Ireland in favour of England due to increased opportunities under Giovanni Trapattoni. The centre back who has been at the club since he was 12 expressed his delight at the new deal;
“I’m delighted to sign a new deal and commit my future to the club. I feel I’m at a football club that is progressing and provides an environment in which the young players coming through all want to excel.”
