Defender doesn't mind where he fits in at Fratton
Wednesday, 13th Dec 2017 21:12 by pompey-fans.com staff

Matt Clarke says he doesn't mind whether he plays in the centre of defence or on the left.

But he admits he does feel more at home in the middle.

Clarke has been in excellent form in both positions this season, switching to left-back for a spell because of an injury crisis on that side before slotting back into the central role in recent weeks.

He told The News: 'I’ve played a lot more and am a lot more experienced at centre-back, so I guess I am more comfortable there. But I don’t mind left-back, I am happy to play anywhere. If you get put in a place, you need to get your head around it and try to do the best you can for the team.

‘When I was aged 13-14 with Ipswich’s academy I played a bit at left-back as well as centre-half, so it’s a position I am half-familiar with. I also made my debut in the Capital One Cup for Ipswich there. Mick McCarthy asked if I would be comfortable and I replied I’d be happy to play there.

‘Some people may think the roles are very similar because they are in defence, but that’s not the case. There’s different positions you take up, the different positions you end up on the ball, while the options you have are very different.

‘It takes a bit of adapting, you learn every time you play there to help improve yourself. But I would definitely play it again if asked.’

Clarke is likely to be in the heart of the backline alongside Christian Burgess again this Saturday when Pompey host Bury.