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Benitez reveals why summer signing is making first-team waves

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Image for Benitez reveals why summer signing is making first-team waves

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez believes centre-back Ciaran Clark’s ability to play out from the back with his left foot is an important factor in maintaining balance in the Newcastle side.

Asked to reflect on the 27-year-old’s performance by the Shields Gazette after he helped keep a clean sheet at New York stadium against Rotherham on Saturday,

“He’s a player with experience. And also, because he’s left-footed, he can give us a little balance by playing balls out from the back with his left foot”, said Benitez.

”When we brought him here, we knew that he had experience of the Premier League, and so we knew we were signing a good player. He is showing that every week.”

The Irish international is now striking up a partnership with Jamaal Lascelles in the centre of defence after Chancel Mbemba had been the preferred partner for the club captain earlier in the campaign.

Clark is also keeping out Grant Hanley who has struggled for regular game time since his £5.5million move from Blackburn Rovers in the summer.

Former Rovers captain and Scotland international Hanley has made just once start in the league so far this season; that was against Fulham in the first match of the campaign, which the Magpies lost 1-0.

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