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Clark can complete turnaround under Benitez

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Image for Clark can complete turnaround under Benitez

OPINION

Newcastle Untied defender Ciaran Clark has massively improved under the tutelage of manager Rafael Benitez, but he has a lot of work to do over the summer to get back into contention for a starting spot.

The 28-year-old has seen himself fall into the shadows during the second half of the season and his first-team prospects have been slim, with an injury also halting his progress in the latter weeks.

He has watched from the sidelines as Florian Lejeune and Jamaal Lascelles have formed a brilliant understanding at centre-back, something that right now looks unbreakable in the future.

However, Benitez should stand by the Irishman going into the 2018/19 campaign and put him through the wringer during the summer to help him improve.

Clark has proven in the past he is a capable defender in the top flight and the fact he is left-footed gives him a good edge to help provide a decent balance.

It is all about timing with the starting XI and he’s got to make his opportunity when it comes about at St James’ Park.

Statistics website Spotrac claims that Clark has a £35,000-a-week contract with Newcastle and his current deal with them expires in 2021.

Clark needs to earn Benitez’s trust to force his way back into the starting XI and did look dependable in the first half of the campaign, scoring 2 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.

He is a popular figure with supporters after playing an important role in the Championship promotion and is at very least a useful squad option, but he can also put severe pressure on to start.

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