‘Rob’s a top bloke… I can learn a lot from him’

Harry Clarke delivered a mature defensive performance in our 3-2 pre-season victory over Barnet on Wednesday night.

The 18-year-old defender was strong in the tackle and classy on the ball - and he has thanked one of our first-team stars for a tip he received during pre-season training.

“I think I can learn a lot from Rob Holding,” said Clarke. “I love the way he plays and over recent months I’ve been getting closer with him. He’s a top, top bloke and he’s also had his struggles with injury just like me. He’s a great character on and off the pitch and I’m really looking forward to him coming back from injury. I’d love to be where he is.

“I remember just a few weeks ago in pre-season Rob was training with us and he gave me a bit of advice about stepping in front of the striker. He said you’ve got to be on the front foot and you’ve got to be aggressive. He said that’s what the manager loves, so little tips like that have been really useful to me.

“Last year I struggled with injuries, so my first objective for 2019/20 is to stay fit and make sure I’m playing week in, week out, then what comes from that comes from that. I want to get as many games as possible for the under-23s, impress them and then hopefully get involved with the first team.”