Good to start with a bang - Clarke

Last updated : 21 February 2009 By Bigrich.....
The 20 year-old netted on his debut in last weekend's win over Gilligham, and he reflects on past times and what brought him to DVS.

"I was at Manchester United as an U15 and then went for a trial at Liverpool", he explains.

"I played for Liverpool against Blackburn and after that Rovers got in touch with me. I signed for them and was with them for four years.

"I scored a few goals in my first full season but there's so many players at Blackburn that it's hard to get a chance. Mark Hughes, who was the manager there at the time, was great but you can't just sit in the reserves. Sometimes I couldn't get a game because there were firstteamers dropping down and I ended up on the bench.

"You can play reserve football week in, week out and nothing changes. It's best to get league games and put yourself in the shop window."

He adds: "It's strange how things work out. Rotherham obviously liked me and snapped me up and I'm lucky to be here for real.

"It's been frustrating because my debut here was delayed due to the weather. All I'd been doing was training at the Keepmoat at Doncaster but that was good because I could work on my fitness and come out with a bang. It was great to get that goal last Saturday and the three points."

Boss Mark Robins has challenged Clarke to earn a contract extension over the summer, and said: "Jamie's got electric pace and he took his goal really well. He's got a lot of ability and I'm sure there's a lot of improvement to come."

"I've no preference where I play as long as I'm in the side", adds Clarke himself. "My strength is my pace and ability to beat players. I also work hard for the team and get a few goals.

"It's up to me to show Rotherham United what I can do and help get the team as high as I can."

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