Leeds fans waiting to see Jack Clarke return to action no longer have to, as the 18-year-old made his long-awaited homecoming with Carlos Corberan’s U23s on Monday night.
The talented winger had not been seen on the pitch since his half-time substitution away to Middlesbrough, but was gifted a starting role in the Professional Development League against Charlton Athletic, as the Whites youth side opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the table.
Clarke managed to play out 80 minutes and while he did not get onto the scoresheet at Elland Road, the U23 squad ran riot to record a 4-0 win thanks to goals from Jordan Stevens, Kun Temenuzhkov, Pascal Struijk and Mateusz Bogusz.
The first-team regular did have a chance to score on his return, though, but saw his second-half penalty saved by the Charlton goalkeeper.
His spot kick miss was the only thing out of sorts for Clarke, however, as the 18-year-old settled straight down to business as if he was never away from action, and took to the game with a typically energetic and direct performance.
That is why the 18-year-old earned a lot of attention and praise on social media…
Clarke is back????
— Kobey???????? (@Kobey05186415) March 11, 2019
Some poor charlton right back is in for a complete roasting tonight
— Conor Duggan (@ConorDuggan1) March 11, 2019
Nice to see jack Clarke playing
— John cannon (@Johncan86782248) March 11, 2019
Clarke and Bogusz in the same team ????
— Andy Houghton (@AndyHoughton_82) March 11, 2019
No injuries to Jack ????
— Darren (@D_Dunne1) March 11, 2019
On the bench for Saturday?
— Hicky67 (@philhicky67) March 11, 2019
So glad to see him back! Massive boost to the squad
— Aaron (@aarons1308) March 11, 2019
The boy #lufc
— Matt Massarella-Gill (@3788MG) March 11, 2019