Ciaran Clark D Free agent b.1989

**Charlie Darwin** · 15/10/2011, 3:59 PM

I think City played very well but the scoreline flattered them.

**Charlie Darwin** · 21/12/2011, 6:25 PM

Clark and Ireland both start for Villa today alongside Dunne. It's probably just rotation on McLeish's part (though Ireland is just back from an injury) but a chance for Ciaran to impress in midfield, an area they've been struggling to compete in.

**SwanVsDalton** · 21/12/2011, 6:52 PM

Derrick Williams is on the bench too.

**drummerboy** · 21/12/2011, 7:04 PM

Clark just gave away a bad penalty

**tetsujin1979** · 21/12/2011, 7:59 PM

Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton

Derrick Williams is on the bench too.

Thanks, missed him for the live blog, added in now - http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/Live

**drummerboy** · 21/12/2011, 8:54 PM

Settled into the game and done reasonable ok in central midfield

**Charlie Darwin** · 21/12/2011, 9:10 PM

Is it true our Stevie was taken off with 15 seconds left in the first half? McLeish making a point?

**TrapAPony** · 21/12/2011, 9:40 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Is it true our Stevie was taken off with 15 seconds left in the first half? McLeish making a point?

He was injured

**irishfan86** · 22/12/2011, 5:53 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Is it true our Stevie was taken off with 15 seconds left in the first half? McLeish making a point?

Originally Posted by TrapAPony

He was injured

McLeish doesn't f*ck around!

**The Fly** · 26/12/2011, 6:41 PM

Clark is playing in centre midfield this evening in the match against Stoke.

**Charlie Darwin** · 26/12/2011, 8:44 PM

He played OK. Looks hesitant in possession and failed to track a few runs but he was generally OK.

**cestlavie** · 01/01/2012, 10:05 PM

Clarke had great game against Chelsea and set up Petrov goal. Would be nice to see him and Wilson in Ireland squad as they both can play defence and midfield. Would give us options.

**Charlie Darwin** · 01/01/2012, 10:13 PM

I don't think Clark could play in midfield for us. He can do a job there at Premier League level but I think in international games it'd show how unsuited he is to the position. I think he'll be an excellent centre half for us for the next decade though.

**cestlavie** · 01/01/2012, 10:21 PM

Agree especially when ST Ledger is getting no game time at the moment and surely unless he gets regular football we cant take the risk with him in the Euro's.

**zero** · 04/01/2012, 12:09 PM

http://www.sportinglife.com/football...soccer&BID=165

**tetsujin1979** · 04/01/2012, 1:08 PM

With his versatility, he's probably one of the better placed players to take a place in the squad

**zero** · 04/01/2012, 1:40 PM

yes.. though one might make the same observation on marc wilson. i reckon one or the other will go.

**The Fly** · 04/01/2012, 3:11 PM

James Collins might be off to either QPR or Sunderland during this transfer window.

Fingers crossed!

**gastric** · 04/01/2012, 9:25 PM

Originally Posted by The Fly

James Collins might be off to either QPR or Sunderland during this transfer window.

Fingers crossed!

Based on gut feeling only, I think McLeish will go after someone like Samba, if Collins leaves, rather than just rely on a young defender like Clark, particularly as Villa have been pretty inconsistent all season. To be honest it is very hard to understand why McLeish would be happy to let Collins go as Dunne and himself have been a tower of strength to Villa over the past few years.

**SwanVsDalton** · 04/01/2012, 10:25 PM

Collins has been awful for a year and a half. He's really poor. Dunne hasn't been great either but has picked it up this season. Don't think Collins would match that. If McLeish can get rid of Collins, he can stick with Cuellar/Clark partnering Dunne, Hutton at RB and Stevens/Chris Herd backing up the full-backs. Given Villa's financial cost cutting, makes sense.