Ciaran Clark D Free agent b.1989

[tricky_colour]

I hear Prince Harry has an Irish grandmother :D

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/91287672397.stm

(lol).

[SwanVsDalton]

I know a few Clarkes who'd beg to differ :)

Was refering to his first name, I have a personal interest too. But fair shout. ;)

[ArdeeBhoy]

His father is Scottish, which may explain the spelling.

Sorry, but that was your most pointless post ever!
;)

Only joking....

[Adrock]

What I just love about all the nay sayers on this board (and thankfully there are less of them with the passing days) is that they are as quiet as mice when England call up someone like Bolton's Gary Cahill, who is more than eligible for us. But it's being going on (with them) for decades - Kevin Keegan, Steve McMahon, Martin Keown. Need I go on, there have been many more.
I assume this post was meant tongue on cheek, :confused2: shame on all those mentioned for dishonouring their grandparents though my representing their own homeland

[mark12345]

Dempsey would have been eligible for us. Grew up in Texas of Irish parentage and could have played with a phone call from the Famous Association of Ireland. Mark my words, there are many many other Irish prospects playing in the US. Stands to reason I suppose with 40 million of Irish lineage.

[Charlie Darwin]

Dempsey is as American as they come - I really doubt he'd have been too interested in playing for us, especially as he did his apprenticeship in the US. Conor Doyle from Derby is the opposite - player who's over on his Irish passport and would find it a lot more convenient to attend Ireland games than US ones.

[Adrock]

So no-one ever, can change their mind?? :eek: Clearly you know very little about human nature!

And who gives a flying f*ck how tenuous their connection is;If they want to play and do the business, who really cares??
How can it not matter how Irish the Ireland national team is though, surely the point in having a national team is that it represents you as a nation ,not another nation's rejects and third generational offspring of those who left this island for good a lifetime ago or more.
Anyway its also a question of our international credibility. Its bad enough being completely dependent n British clubs to nurture our talent and provide them with a living whilst our own national league remains the most pathetic of any country larger than Dublin, but to be dependent on England and Scotland to provide us with the players to sustain a competitive national team is just embarassing. Football fans from abroad I've met who know anything of our national team tend to find it a matter of amusement that at times half or more of our squad havent ever even lived here. I understand that things arent as bad as they were but these new FIFA rules on switching countires (designed for political reasons to shore up the support of their resident dicatator in chief) are likely to lead to the courting of more and more players who have already opted to represent someone else (sure they might change their minds but not for the most honorable resons) At least Jack's plastics had never pulled on an England shirt before even if they might have wanted to. Its all about pretence anyway this adopt an Englishman business and I think its time people grew out of it to be honest

[CraftyToePoke]

I don't think they realised he was eligible until Richard Dunne tipped them off. Any version of this story I've heard/read credits Dunney.

Richard Dunne is quoted in todays Independent as having become aware of Clarks likely availability last August when he met his parents and heard their accents, it does look more and more like the FAI were blissfully unaware of him until then.

I wonder how many more who dont have an Irish sounding name, and are touted on sites like this, or who dont have a Richard Dunne to do the job of the FAI, are out there?

Whether you agree or not with this type of recruitment to the national side, it is stated FAI policy at present to add depth to the squad using this method and there seems to be a worrying hole in their netting procedure.

[Razors left peg]

Richard Dunne is quoted in todays Independent as having become aware of Clarks likley availability last August when he met his parents and heard their accents, it does look more and more like the FAI were blissfully uaware of him until then.

I wonder how many more who dont have an Irish sounding name, and are touted on sites like this, or who dont have a Richard Dunne to do the job of the FAI, are out there?

Whether you agree or not with this type of recruitment to the national side, it is stated FAI policy at present to add depth to the squad using this method and there seems to be a worrying hole in their netting procedure.

But sure Don Givens is the head scout now, how could anything possibly go wrong ???????

[CraftyToePoke]

But sure Don Givens is the head scout now, how could anything possibly go wrong ???????

Nothing but the same old story eh?

[Sullivinho]

But sure Don Givens is the head scout now, how could anything possibly go wrong ???????

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7451/dongivensdoing.jpg

[ArdeeBhoy]

How can it not matter how Irish the Ireland national team is though, surely the point in having a national team is that it represents you as a nation ,not another nation's rejects and third generational offspring of those who left this island for good a lifetime ago or more.
Anyway its also a question of our international credibility. Its bad enough being completely dependent n British clubs to nurture our talent and provide them with a living whilst our own national league remains the most pathetic of any country larger than Dublin, but to be dependent on England and Scotland to provide us with the players to sustain a competitive national team is just embarassing. Football fans from abroad I've met who know anything of our national team tend to find it a matter of amusement that at times half or more of our squad havent ever even lived here. I understand that things arent as bad as they were but these new FIFA rules on switching countires (designed for political reasons to shore up the support of their resident dicatator in chief) are likely to lead to the courting of more and more players who have already opted to represent someone else (sure they might change their minds but not for the most honorable resons) At least Jack's plastics had never pulled on an England shirt before even if they might have wanted to. Its all about pretence anyway this adopt an Englishman business and I think its time people grew out of it to be honest

Clearly you have to learn how the rules of sport work also!

It's happened in many sports, as the world has got 'smaller' also with far more movement of peoples from their, er, ethnic homelands.
Cricket and both rugby codes have far more tenuous eligibility rules that make soccer/FIFA look paragons of virtue by comparison.

There are Irish Diaspora, as with many many other countries ( eg. Armenia, Brazil, China, India, Italy), spread all across the world. Many of them are not eligible as their heritage is too many generations back, but there are also millions who are.
They all have Irish blood:Get over it!

More contentiously, soccer is unlikely to ever have a great domestic presence, based partly on the proximity of the leagues in England & Scotland not to mention the saturation media coverage, but also due to the dominance of GAA to pervade many, if not all, aspects of Irish domestic culture!

[elroy]

How can it not matter how Irish the Ireland national team is though, surely the point in having a national team is that it represents you as a nation ,not another nation's rejects and third generational offspring of those who left this island for good a lifetime ago or more.
Anyway its also a question of our international credibility. Its bad enough being completely dependent n British clubs to nurture our talent and provide them with a living whilst our own national league remains the most pathetic of any country larger than Dublin, but to be dependent on England and Scotland to provide us with the players to sustain a competitive national team is just embarassing. Football fans from abroad I've met who know anything of our national team tend to find it a matter of amusement that at times half or more of our squad havent ever even lived here. I understand that things arent as bad as they were but these new FIFA rules on switching countires (designed for political reasons to shore up the support of their resident dicatator in chief) are likely to lead to the courting of more and more players who have already opted to represent someone else (sure they might change their minds but not for the most honorable resons) At least Jack's plastics had never pulled on an England shirt before even if they might have wanted to. Its all about pretence anyway this adopt an Englishman business and I think its time people grew out of it to be honest

Agree with some of your points here. Im not a huge fan of the recent rule changes that you can have played now U21 level but still make a switch. I also think a friendly cap should tie you to a country as well rather than a competitive cap. The changes bring the international game closer to a club game scenario and I wouldnt be keen on that.

In an ideal world, all our team would be Irish born, have grown up in Ireland, have strong Irish accents and maybe even play their football in ireland. Given the nature and size of our country that is not going to happen. And to be honest, with the exception of playing their football here, I wouldnt want it to happen. Some of our greatest heroes in the Irish jerseys are 2G. Many 2G players have given more for Ireland than their colleagues who are Irish born. Plus having a squad mainly comprising Irish born players but also 2G players more accurately reflects our nation and its history.

[The Fly]

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2010/11/01/ciaran-clark-can-be-a-midfield-star-for-aston-villa-says-luke-young-97319-27577258/

[SwanVsDalton]

Didn't see yesterday's game but apparently he played very well in a fairly lacklustre team performance. Fans over at VillaTalk voted him MOTM.

[paul_oshea]

one thing to take into consideration which we irish fans have an awful habit of doing, but most fans in general, is when a young lad breaks through into the first team, a few nice touches/passes/moves stands out more amongst the crowd than a regular starter does. We seem to "player cam" that individual and any thing of note gets exaggerated in our overall review of that individuals performance.

[geysir]

Agree with some of your points here. Im not a huge fan of the recent rule changes that you can have played now U21 level but still make a switch.
What rule changes are you talking about?
That's not part of a recent rule change. Playing at u21 level for one association did not stop a dual national changing associations. You need to be better acquainted with your subject matter in order to support your opinions.
You may be confused with the removal of the age limit of 21 for changing associations. That age limit removal is the only change made since 2003.


I also think a friendly cap should tie you to a country as well rather than a competitive cap. The changes bring the international game closer to a club game scenario and I wouldnt be keen on that.
It would appear that friendly caps did not tie a player either. FIFA clarified their rule in 2008 to make it more clear that friendlies did not tie a player. FIFA state they did not change their rules in 2008.

I really see little or no problem with the only thing FIFA have changed since 2003 - removing the age limit (for uncapped dual national players at senior competitive level), to change associations. One positive, is it removes the exploitive capping of dual nationals by one association to the detriment of the dual national's other legitimate choice.

Nationality is the eligibility criteria, not subjective opinions on the quality of nationality. Nationality is objective, it is constitutionally defined. Nationality is not defined, nor can be exposed to change, by the myriad of subjective opinions.
FIFA have acted with haste when necessary to support integrity in the eligibility at International level, as evidenced by their fast response in 2003 to put conditions on the acquisition of a new nationality.
The current eligibility rules are open for being overused by an association such as the FAI, to the detriment of some players who have represented Ireland at underage level. But most of what I read here is the fear that something bad is going to happen - rather reminds me of Enoch's rivers of blood speech.
I see no evidence that something bad is going to happen, only fears expressed that something bad is going to happen. The FAI are making efforts to develop aspects of the game so that young kids should not have to leave the country in order to receive basic coaching skills - before they have finished their basic education. I would hope that this gradually results in the bulk of the underage squads being composed of home based kids.

[SwanVsDalton]

one thing to take into consideration which we irish fans have an awful habit of doing, but most fans in general, is when a young lad breaks through into the first team, a few nice touches/passes/moves stands out more amongst the crowd than a regular starter does. We seem to "player cam" that individual and any thing of note gets exaggerated in our overall review of that individuals performance.

True but Clark seems to be getting good notices everywhere. Always worth reigning in expectations though.

[Predator]

I think Clark played in midfield yesterday. Obviously shows versatility, something which can be considered an asset.

[Sullivinho]

Glowing praise from Villa fans after yesterday's game:

http://www.villatalk.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=64708&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=165

'England's loss', 'Better than Cahill', 'Pure class' etc.

[tricky_colour]

I will take an English born player who wants to represent Ireland over an Irish born one who doesn't anyday.

[the doc]

one thing to take into consideration which we irish fans have an awful habit of doing, but most fans in general, is when a young lad breaks through into the first team, a few nice touches/passes/moves stands out more amongst the crowd than a regular starter does. We seem to "player cam" that individual and any thing of note gets exaggerated in our overall review of that individuals performance.

Good point, was working analysing the game yesterday, Clark did well, and has potiental. totally left footed, which can lead to him not getting a pass or shot off and then getting closed down and losing the ball.

Won his fair share of headers and was available for the ball in good positions.

Any young up and coming player is good for Ireland, but I see Trapp using him the same way as Cunningham (Who I saw on Sat whilst working on the Leicester v Preston match) as a squad player, getting him used the his system.

Either way if it improves the overall strength of the Irish squad then that can be no bad thing.

On a different subject, Dunne (Who I rate highly) looked off the pace a little yesterday, and seems to be carrying, was surprised to see him in the team considering he has been struggling with a few injuires.

He did well in the air, and position wise, but got caught for pace towards the end as he tired. Think he needs to be given time to fully recover from these injuries as we will need him fully fit for the qualifiers.


As for the Leicester game, Cunningham looked solid made some good runs and was a threat linking up with attacks, always available, did well.

St Ledger played his usual steady game, but needs a move to push and challenge him further and to fulfill his potiental, as Prestons struggling team form could affect his game long term.

Tracy worked hard, but lacked service, looked sharp with the few attacking runs he had, always willing to take a pot at goal, in good form right now, so would be useful to have in the squad.

[Predator]

Who knows but its irrelevant anyway he grew up in England and became a footballer and an England captain at that and we cant take credit for it because of his blood, it just doesnt make sense.Who is trying to 'take credit' for Clark being who he is? Why do you consider this an issue?
All the FAI is doing is availing of Clark's services, something which is granted via Clark's Irish nationality and his subsequent fulfilment of FIFA's eligibility statutes. It's quite simple. If this is an issue which genuinely riles you, I suggest that you take your complaints to the highest authority in football and kindly ask them to amend the rules to suit your view of the varying degrees of nationality. Who knows, you might actually strike a chord and affect change. Start a campaign or something, maybe take it to the CAS, if that avenue is open to you.

[The Fly]

If this is an issue which genuinely riles you, I suggest that you take your complaints to the highest authority in football and kindly ask them to amend the rules to suit your view of the varying degrees of nationality. Who knows, you might actually strike a chord and affect change. Start a campaign or something, maybe take it to the CAS, if that avenue is open to you.


...use the IFA as your inspiration Adrock.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Its nothing to do with Irish blood anyway - we all bleed the same not green because we're irish - its the environment of your upbringing that determines what you become. If Clark had lived all his life in India do you think his Irish blood would have made him a top level footballer? If he'd grown up in Ireland he might have been anything - a GAA player, a drug addict, a priest? Who knows but its irrelevant anyway he grew up in England and became a footballer and an England captain at that and we cant take credit for it because of his blood, it just doesnt make sense. If you are one of these proud diaspora anyway youd presumably grow up knowing or feeling that you were Irish and you presumably wouldnt want to represent England. Any diasporites on this forum grow up wanting to play for England or wheerever they have diaspored to?

Clearly you know little of genetics which is much of what drives any diaspora. I see it regularly.
Though for your information, I'm not a member of the Irish Diaspora, but if there are those who are and want to play for us and they're eligible, so be it.
And what tricky colour said.

[AlaskaFox]

Barry Bannan sounds like an Irish name, anyone know anything about him(apart from being born in scotland i mean)?

Definitely won't be converting to us. Being called up to the Scottish senior side:
http://www.scottishfootballforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2924

[geysir]

Interesting game Fulham v Villa. Clark has come on for an injured Reo Coker and slotted well into midfield.
First time I have seem him play and this lad is talented.

[The Fly]

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/aston-villa-fc/2010/11/05/a-year-to-remember-for-ciaran-clark/




A year to remember for Ciaran Clark.

Ciaran Clark has come a long way since making his Villa bow against Fulham little more than a year ago.

Judging by the quality of his performance in shutting out the Cottagers that day – he gave a calm and composed display in the 2-0 win last August – his rise to the fore under Gerard Houllier should come as little surprise.

And to say it’s been a whirlwind few weeks for the 21-year-old for club and country is an understatement.

First, Clark committed his international future to the Republic of Ireland – despite captaining England at youth level. Then, last week, he committed his future to the club by signing a new three-year contract. Finally – a centre-back by trade on Sunday -he found himself thrown in at the deep end in the derby battle with Birmingham in the unfamiliar territory of midfield, sitting in front of the back four.

Once again, Clark passed the test with flying colours with a Man of the Match display in the stalemate.
He said: “It was a bit of a surprise getting selected. I’ve never played that role before. The manager spoke to me and felt I could do it and it boosts your confidence when he tells you something like that. I found out on the Saturday before we trained. I didn’t really think about it too much. I just got my head down and watched a bit of TV, just the usual sort of preparation."

“I spoke to a few of the more experienced lads like Nigel Reo-Coker and Luke Young and they were just encouraging me to go out there and do what I normally do. It was the Sunday morning it really began to dawn on me, but once I got out there and warmed up it just all seemed to go out of my head. Everyone encouraged me through the game, there was a lot of help and talking – they let me know where to be and where not to be! I didn’t play youth or reserves in midfield. But I did play there at the younger levels, 13s, 14s but since then I haven’t been there. It’s been all about defence.”

But Clark would have no qualms with playing the position again. He said: “I think I can do a job there. My main position is centre-back, but if I was needed to play there again I’d do it. Maybe the manager played me there because I’m quite comfortable on the ball. I’m always up there in the box for set-pieces, trying to get my head on things and being a nuisance. I’ve had two chances now against Chelsea and Birmingham, it would be nice if I could make it third time lucky!”

"It could have been even better had a late header not crept the wrong side of the post – an accidental fist in the face from the onrushing Ben Foster leaving him with a bloodied nose. He said: “If it was outside the box, I think it would have been a free-kick. It didn’t get given so we just have to get on with it now.”

Clark already has good memories of facing Fulham and hopes to add another one tomorrow, as 14th-placed Villa bid to end a four-game winless streak in the league. He said: “It was my debut game so I’ll always remember it. They are a good side. We just need to get that win and hopefully it will come against Fulham. There’s only a couple of points separating a lot of teams. It’s just so tight at the moment that anything could happen. Once we get our win we would get our confidence again. We’ll look to push on. Looking at the table, it looks like a bit like the Championship – everyone is beating everyone.”

Clark, passed fit after recovering from a dead leg, is also delighted to have extended his stay in the Midlands. He said: “Once you get that extra three years you have a bit of security there. You know you can get your head down and concentrate without worrying at all. I have had a lot more chances than I had last season. I am definitely moving in the right direction and it’s an exciting time to be at the club under Gerard Houllier.”

[The Fly]

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2010/11/05/ciaran-clark-would-be-happy-to-play-central-midfield-for-aston-villa-at-fulham-97319-27604526/

[The Fly]

No source for this, but, interesting nonetheless...

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/11/05/chelsea-keen-on-aston-villa-youngster-ciaran-clark/



Chelsea keen on Aston Villa Youngster Ciaran Clark

Aston Villa’s young talented defender Ciaran Clark is apparently a target for Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti who is looking to bring in new young talent to help reverse the rapidly ageing shape of his Stamford Bridge side. The Blues manager is being linked with a move for the England Under 20 international after a succession of solid performances from the defender.

Gerard Houllier will try his hardest to keep the Harrow born starlet from leaving but may struggle to prevent Clark from having his head turned by interest shown by the Premier League champions. With a number of the Chelsea side getting on in years a move for a player with as much potential as the Villa Park player makes a great deal of sense.

Ciaran Clark has shown his ability play in the centre of midfield as well as his customary centre back position and is reportedly set to become an Irish international and has a bright future ahead of him. His mature performances this season have brought him to the attention of a number of high profile clubs and Houllier will have a fight to keep the Academy graduate at the club.

[paul_oshea]

Chelsea keen on Aston Villa Youngster Ciaran Clark

Aston Villa’s young talented defender Ciaran Clark is apparently a target for Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti who is looking to bring in new young talent to help reverse the rapidly ageing shape of his Stamford Bridge side. The Blues manager is being linked with a move for the England Under 20 international after a succession of solid performances from the defender.

Gerard Houllier will try his hardest to keep the Harrow born starlet from leaving but may struggle to prevent Clark from having his head turned by interest shown by the Premier League champions. With a number of the Chelsea side getting on in years a move for a player with as much potential as the Villa Park player makes a great deal of sense.

Ciaran Clark has shown his ability play in the centre of midfield as well as his customary centre back position and is reportedly set to become an Irish international and has a bright future ahead of him. His mature performances this season have brought him to the attention of a number of high profile clubs and Houllier will have a fight to keep the Academy graduate at the club.

geysirs point on procrastination, and this, is it the cynic in me?

[AlaskaFox]

He'd be crazy to go to Chelsea.

[tommy_c12000]

Interesting to read that many of the Villa fans now see him as a potential brilliant holding midfielder in the Gareth Barry mould. Seems to have all the requisite attributes. Of course Trap knows Ciaran far better than any of the villa fans or Houllier himself, and sees him as a centre back and certainly not a midfielder. Come off the stage Trap you bluffer

http://www.villatalk.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=64708&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=195

[AlaskaFox]

Trap loves defensive midfielders, so isn't he the perfect fit?

[tetsujin1979]

He's had two games at centre mid, after spending the majority of his career to date at centre half, it's not an unreasonable deduction that he will be more recognised as a centre half for the rest of his career

[Predator]

True tets, but saying that, it's possible that he could develop into a midfielder if his manager prefers him there. A few young players the same age as Clark, who started out as centre halves have more or less turned into midfielders because their managers have seen potential. Phil Jones played there for Blackburn recently and Jack Rodwell at Everton has turned into an attacking midfielder after playing the majority of his youth career at centre half.

[Sullivinho]

Interesting to read that many of the Villa fans now see him as a potential brilliant holding midfielder in the Gareth Barry mould.

As if comparison with one deity wasn't enough, someone took it a step further and invoked McGrath. Strong stuff.

[Charlie Darwin]

Gareth Barry played his first 5 years or so for Villa at centre half didn't he?

[Colbert Report]

Gareth Barry played his first 5 years or so for Villa at centre half didn't he?

According to wikipedia, you're right:

He played his first match for Villa on 2 May 1998 against Sheffield Wednesday. Initially, he played as a central defender, on the left-hand side of a back three alongside Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu. Barry became a highly versatile player and captain first as a centre-back, then a left-back. He then moved to left-midfield, before establishing himself in the centre of midfield.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Let's hope he turns out nothing like Gareth Barry who's been pure gash for 'Ingerland';Makes Kilbane look like Maldini....

[drummerboy]

Let's hope he turns out nothing like Gareth Barry who's been pure gash for 'Ingerland';Makes Kilbane look like Maldini....

Barry may have had a poor world cup but he has been a great player in the Premier league for many seasons. If you are implying that KK is a better player than Barry, you are seriously deluded.

[The Fly]

Gareth Barry played his first 5 years or so for Villa at centre half didn't he?

He initially played as a central defender, on the left-hand side of a back three alongside Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu. After playing left-back for a time, he then moved to left-midfield, before eventually establishing himself in the centre of midfield.


Barry may have had a poor world cup but he has been a great player in the Premier league for many seasons.

Barry has been a good player in the Premier league for many seasons, not a great one.

[Predator]

Barry has been a good player in the Premier league for many seasons, not a great one.Exactly. He was the talisman of a mediocre side and now he is a decent player in a mediocre side with big egos.

[youngirish]

Barry may have had a poor world cup but he has been a great player in the Premier league for many seasons. If you are implying that KK is a better player than Barry, you are seriously deluded.

While only an insane person would seriously believe Barry was a poorer player than Kilbane (I'd guess ArdeeBhoy was simply using Kilbane to highlight how dire Barry has been for England) you'd have to be equally insane to believe he was a great player. He looked like a Sunday league player chasing back to catch Ozil in the World Cup. He's another in a long list of overrated English players that's done well for themselves considering their limited ability. Average at best.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Barry may have had a poor world cup but he has been a great player in the Premier league for many seasons. If you are implying that KK is a better player than Barry, you are seriously deluded.

Using KK as a relatively low benchmark, but compared to Barry even a mediocre clubman like him looks streets ahead of Barry whenever he represents his country. And 'great', competent more like.

If Clark wants someone to aspire to, Paul McGrath (without his demons) would be a better option.....

[SkStu]

i dont think McGrath would have been McGrath without his demons. Or Cantona. Or Diego.

I personally believe KK is better than all three.

[gustavo]

Off topic posts moved to "Magners League" thread

[gastric]

i dont think McGrath would have been McGrath without his demons. Or Cantona. Or Diego.

I personally believe KK is better than all three.

Can't believe you think Kilbane is a better player than Paul McGrath! There is no comparison between them. McGrath was world class, Kilbane has been an average player throughout his career.

[Colbert Report]

Can't believe you think Kilbane is a better player than Paul McGrath! There is no comparison between them. McGrath was world class, Kilbane has been an average player throughout his career.

He's obviously joking, come on son!

[Mr A]

Superb :)

I also agree with SKStu on his point that McGrath wouldn't have been Maradona or Cantona without his demons.