For those Leeds United fans who pay attention to life at Under 23 level, Jack Clarke is more than making a name for himself this year.
The 17-year-old attacker came through the youth ranks and signed his first professional deal at Elland Road back in November of last year having found the net for our Under 18 side nine times in seven games. Having been rewarded with his pro deal as he turned 17, he had already featured at Under 23 level and this season he’s more than making the spot his own.
With Patrick Bamford out for around the next four months with a Posterior Cruciate Ligament injury, given his progress so far, Clarke more than comes into the mix for some fans along with Tyler Roberts and Ryan Edmondson. The game Bamford sustained the injury saw the youngster shine once again and you have to think he’s not just made an impression on fans, but also manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Gutted bamford is injured but now is the time to give Jack Clarke a chance that boys going to be special #lufc
— Antony Potter (@antony_potter) September 11, 2018
Get Jack Clarke in the #lufc first squad now
— Sean G (@SeanyGee) September 11, 2018
I think I’m comfortable with Clarke and Edmundson as back up. I don’t see it as the end of the world. Got to keep Roofe fit.
— LUFC (@drlufc) September 11, 2018
I like the look of Roberts, he seems similar to Roofe. A channel runner.
— LUFC (@drlufc) September 11, 2018
Chance for Clarke to shine
— Gary Tresidder (@147Gary) September 11, 2018
For what it's worth, the LUFC website first team listing only includes Roberts along with Roofe and Bamford. But Edmondson and perhaps Clarke shouldn't be without a shout either. That said can we please wrap Roofe in cotton until January, thanks!
— Anders Lagerfjärd (@jalager) September 11, 2018
looks like a call up to first team for the young lad Clarke seen as he's been playing is socks off and banging them in for U23 #lufc
— Sambo (@wassell51) September 11, 2018
There’s one or two good youngsters at the moment it might be an idea to try them out the odd game
— David Bruce (@brucey1961) September 11, 2018
Of course, the lad is young, and we shouldn’t be expecting too much from him as he’s still developing and finding his way in the game, and although a few may be ahead of him in the pecking list given his age, I think few wouldn’t be surprised if he made his senior bow at some point – even if was only a cameo substitute showing to give him that little bit of a taste to drive him on more.