Clark happy to be Villa's flexible friend as he eyes Arsenal scalp

By Paul Brown

Ciaran Clark is happy to be Alex McLeish's flexible friend - although he doubts he'll need to play in goal or up front again for Villa this afternoon.

Clark started out in claret and blue as a striker and banged in the goals for two seasons before moving to left midfield.

He also took over in goal during an U18s game three ago when goalkeeper Thomas Dau was injured.

When asked about the chances of a return to those roles, he joked: "I doubt I'll be needed! I think we're fine.

"I started out as a striker when I came to Villa at 12 and played all my Sunday football there too. I played two seasons there before I moved when I played in the U16 side.

"I had to fill in at goalkeeper too against Bristol City because there wasn't another keeper on the bench that day when Thomas got injured.

"But I only let in one goal and we went on to win 4-2. I think those days are behind me now though."

For two seasons now, Clark has impressed in a number of roles, namely centre midfield, centre-back and left-back.

And he's happy to continue doing a job for the team, although he does feel central defence is his long-term role.

He continued: "I think I've shown I can play in a few positions this season, and it's good to be versatile.

"Centre-back is where I learned my trade under Gordon Cowans, Tony McAndrew and Kevin MacDonald and that's where I see myself in the future - although I'd like to think I would be comfortable anywhere.

"Being versatile is a good thing because you can help the team out when needed.

"Also, I think your overall game and your understanding of the game improves from playing different positions.

"Look at Gareth Barry when he was at Villa. He played a number of positions before he settled into his central midfield slot. He played left-back, centre-half and left midfield before being switched to the middle.

"Last year I played left-back, centre half and centre midfield and I've done the same this season too.

"I'm sure his all-round game improved because of that and I feel like I'm developing as a result too.

"I feel like I'm learning all the time and I think I'm improving as a player."

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