Ciaran Clark - now gone

[neo_Villan]

Just an awful centre-back. Amazing really as many (myself included) considered him the cream of the crop from that successful reserve team. I still think there is a decent midfielder in there but he should never be played at CB again. Complete liability. I can see now why Trappatoni hardly picks him. Italians know their defenders.

[ozzjim]

Just an awful centre-back. Amazing really as many (myself included) considered him the cream of the crop from that successful reserve team. I still think there is a decent midfielder in there but he should never be played at CB again. Complete liability. I can see now why Trappatoni hardly picks him. Italians know their defenders.

I agree. I think a midfield role with license to get in the box might suit him best long term. Has a decent eye for goal.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Yes, time to move position for him, centre back just doesn't work for him.

[achilles]

Just an awful centre-back. Amazing really as many (myself included) considered him the cream of the crop from that successful reserve team. I still think there is a decent midfielder in there but he should never be played at CB again. Complete liability. I can see now why Trappatoni hardly picks him. Italians know their defenders.

Interesting as I really rated him in that reserve side, led by example as captain as well. I am not certain what has happened to that player I used to see but currently he looks a shadow of that player. I am not certain he will ever recover from this experience to be honest, hope I am proved wrong.

[neo_Villan]

Lambert won't move him though. He said in pre-season that he doesn't see him as a midfielder and he is too stubbon to change his position. In fact despite being terrible most of the season, he hasn't been dropped once has he?

[eastie]

Defensive midfield or subs bench is where clark should be - why cant lambert see these things ?
Really pisses me off when the incompetence of the manager costs us week after week.

[mozza]

if supporters can see Ciaran is struggling bigtime in this position - why can't PL ?

the lad is physically & mentally spent .................didn't Hansen comment on Motd his
physical holding of Victor Anichebe might indicate 'fear' of his opponent ?

[Fernando Partridge]

Good Job today Clark. Was fool hardy with the grabbing/holding and a silly hand ball but think he did some great interceptions, headers, and ball play. Keep it up !

[Irish villain]

He handled everything that was thrown at him. We defended well today and he was the best player in our back-line. If he's turned the corner after what were a torrid two months, we could have a serious player on our hands.

It's still a big if, but if we stay up a lot of those players like Clark will be going into next season much stronger and much more experienced.

[Monty]

I wouldn't be surprised if he benefited hugely from the international time he had. Not only did he score, it was a chance to get away from Villa Park just for a couple of days and work with one of the best defensive coaches of the last 30 years. I wouldn't be surprised if Trapattoni (obviously having watched him in the Premier Leauge getting slaughtered every week) had pulled Clark to one side for a bit of a chat about the basics. He certainly seemed much more in control both for Ireland and for us yesterday, and the goal, clean-sheet and win in midweek would have helped his confidence hugely.

[brontebilly]

I wouldn't be surprised if he benefited hugely from the international time he had. Not only did he score, it was a chance to get away from Villa Park just for a couple of days and work with one of the best defensive coaches of the last 30 years. I wouldn't be surprised if Trapattoni (obviously having watched him in the Premier Leauge getting slaughtered every week) had pulled Clark to one side for a bit of a chat about the basics. He certainly seemed much more in control both for Ireland and for us yesterday, and the goal, clean-sheet and win in midweek would have helped his confidence hugely.

Trap can't speak english so I doubt he spoke to him too much. A few last ditch crucial blocks and interceptions yesterday but some really poor defending from him too. Fear for him and us against City I'm afraid

[Concrete John]

I wouldn't be surprised if he benefited hugely from the international time he had. Not only did he score, it was a chance to get away from Villa Park just for a couple of days and work with one of the best defensive coaches of the last 30 years. I wouldn't be surprised if Trapattoni (obviously having watched him in the Premier Leauge getting slaughtered every week) had pulled Clark to one side for a bit of a chat about the basics. He certainly seemed much more in control both for Ireland and for us yesterday, and the goal, clean-sheet and win in midweek would have helped his confidence hugely.

Trap can't speak english so I doubt he spoke to him too much. A few last ditch crucial blocks and interceptions yesterday but some really poor defending from him too. Fear for him and us against City I'm afraid

There's a Lambert joke in there somewhere.....

[Monty]

Are you telling me Trapattoni is incapable of training his players with Ireland?

[brontebilly]

Are you telling me Trapattoni is incapable of training his players with Ireland?

Not far off it particularly since Liam Brady left the coaching staff

[PaulWinch again]

I've been very critical of him lately, but yesterday was a massive improvement. His reading of the game was much better, his strength and decision making were much improved as well. He needs to continue playing like that.