Blogs

Clark can take advantage of Lascelles absence

|
Image for Clark can take advantage of Lascelles absence

OPINION

It has been a rather long time since Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark was handed a Premier League start – but his luck could be about to change if he plays his cards right.

Rafa Benitez has confirmed – via the Magpies’ official Twitter account – that defender Jamaal Lascelles has been ruled out of this Saturday’s clash against Brighton with a stomach problem.

With Florian Lejeune also ruled out, there could not be a better chance for Clark to be handed a start. Given that Newcastle are now mathematically safe from the drop, Benitez really does not have anything to lose by playing the 29-year-old in his central defensive trio.

Minutes have been few and far between for the £35,000-a-week [Spotrac] player, but the manager must be bold and give Clark his opportunity to shine on Saturday. To be quite honest, he has not really done anything wrong to warrant being on the bench – it is just the quality of the players around him.

He is not going to be getting many other chances to showcase himself, and at 6ft 2in [Transfermarkt] tall, he would provide the physical presence needed to keep Brighton’s attack at bay.

Clark has performed well in the few chances he has been given this season, and did not bow down to the pressure that Newcastle were under at the start of the campaign. Instead, he rose to it and was able to see his team through a tough period.

Benitez may also have Federico Fernandez to choose from as well, but the Spaniard has not been the greatest in the games that he has played in recently. He should opt for Clark this time around, as he deserves to get some minutes under his belt.

Either way, it looks like Lascelles’ injury could be a blessing in disguise for the Republic of Ireland international.

Share this article