Ciaran Clark - now gone

[PaulWinch again]

For me, Clark is a far better centre back than Baker. On this season's form anyway - last season I would have said Clark was the better footballer but Baker the better defender.

I think Vlaar, Clark and Okore are our long-term centre backs. There's a question mark over Baker in regards to the long-term. If all 4 were fit, he would be struggling to get into the side.

I agree, my issue with Baker is that he doesn't appear to be improving on his weaknesses.

[supertom]

For me, Clark is a far better centre back than Baker. On this season's form anyway - last season I would have said Clark was the better footballer but Baker the better defender.

I think Vlaar, Clark and Okore are our long-term centre backs. There's a question mark over Baker in regards to the long-term. If all 4 were fit, he would be struggling to get into the side.

I agree, my issue with Baker is that he doesn't appear to be improving on his weaknesses.

I think with Baker he's just a bit too limited at this level. I think he'll stay a couple more years here as a back up behind the other three. Clarky was always the one with the most potential, but last season appeared to be falling desperately behind.
Bakers just a bit slow, very rough on the ball and positionally is suspect. Championship is his level long term I feel, if he wants to be playing week in and week out. A bit like Lichaj really. He could have stayed here and filled in every now and again, but he dropped a level to play week in and week out, and it is his level really.

[KevinGage]

I rate Baker over Clark, but Clark (like all our CB's in fairness) has looked a lot better this year. 

The weakness from set pieces, the lack of communication, these are all things that (so far) look to have been addressed.  That could be down to the new defensive coach. Or maybe they all just benefit from the experience of last year, and an extended period of playing time together. 

My concern about Clark last season as that he was making the same mistakes and not learning.  I can't see him being a fixture in the backline in 5-10 years, but if he's not a total liability when he pulls on the shirt, that will do for the time being.  Like others have mentioned, I do see more of a future for him further up the pitch.  But that probably won't occur under the present manager.

[Dante Lavelli]

It's not a bad situation when Baker is considered 4th choice, especially when he's likely to improve a fair bit too.

[peter w]

That's the thing - baker is still very young. he's yet to do any over head kicks against teh Shit but i don't see too much difference between him and a young cahill. Cahill is poor with his distribution but a good few games under his belt have earned him his recognition as he's improved year on year. i've been impressed with Clark  so far but would still choose Baker over the two, but only just.

[DrGonzo]

I am really encouraged by Clark's start to the season.  He seems to have cut some of the silly mistakes from his game.  He looks stronger and far more confident in his own game, almost a different player from last season.  Encouraging.

[Matt Collins]

Clark for me has always had a lot more potential. His reading of the game and his technique are at a level I doubt Baker could ever achieve. The problem was his robustness, decision taking and then confidence. He's been an awful lot better this season though. Surprised to see him not featuring for Ireland at all though.

Baker's still way better than the likes of Lichaj and Herd though. But once Okore is back I think he'll be fourth choice.

[dekko]

Clark for me has always had a lot more potential. His reading of the game and his technique are at a level I doubt Baker could ever achieve. The problem was his robustness, decision taking and then confidence. He's been an awful lot better this season though. Surprised to see him not featuring for Ireland at all though.

Baker's still way better than the likes of Lichaj and Herd though. But once Okore is back I think he'll be fourth choice.

He wasn't in the squad as a precaution because of a possible injury (a bit like Guzan).  Pretty sure i read that somewhere

[brontebilly]

Clark for me has always had a lot more potential. His reading of the game and his technique are at a level I doubt Baker could ever achieve. The problem was his robustness, decision taking and then confidence. He's been an awful lot better this season though. Surprised to see him not featuring for Ireland at all though.

Baker's still way better than the likes of Lichaj and Herd though. But once Okore is back I think he'll be fourth choice.

He wasn't in the squad as a precaution because of a possible injury (a bit like Guzan).  Pretty sure i read that somewhere

Yeah he withdrew from the current Irish squad due to injury.

He hasn't looked the part at international level yet really. Playing next to a fit Richard Dunne might bring him on. Had a horror show in a friendly against Uruguay (I think it was) at left back that set him back in Trapattoni's eyes.
Has improved this year for sure. Still his decision making needs to improve further as per Lukaku's goal and his yellow against Cardiff.

[OCD]

I had written him off after his West Ham cameo but he's been excellent since he came back into the side. He's been showing some leadership and organisational skills whilst not putting a foot wrong. There were some moments of panic at the back that I'm not sure would happen with experienced players like Senderos and Vlaar but they got a clean sheet in a difficult away fixture.

[Rudy65]

I had written him off after his West Ham cameo but he's been excellent since he came back into the side. He's been showing some leadership and organisational skills whilst not putting a foot wrong. There were some moments of panic at the back that I'm not sure would happen with experienced players like Senderos and Vlaar but they got a clean sheet in a difficult away fixture.

Playing alongside some class and experience, such as Okore is a big help

[OCD]

I think Okore has a lot of potential but he made a few mistakes tonight and gave the penalty away on Saturday. I think it's more a case of Clark helping Okore than the other way round.

[Billy Walker]

I thought Ciaran was superb tonight.

[peter w]

Definitely.

[Gregorys Boy]

Have always quite liked Clark.  So far he and Okore look a decent pairing.  Vlaar is in and out, Baker is terrible, and Sanderoes I think would get found out over time.  So no need to change for now.