Aston Villa youngster Ciaran Clark to play for Ireland
Aston Villa midfielder Ciaran Clark has insisted that he is happy with his decision to pursue his international career with the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Republic-of-Ireland-c2987 instead of England.
The 21-year-old midfielder represented England at the Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 levels, but has now decided to play for Ireland. Clark, who has been in good form for Aston Villa and even scored a brace against Arsenal, is hoping to make his senior
debut for Ireland next March against Macedonia.
Clark said, "I've made my decision, I am Irish. I've played for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 in the younger age groups, but the time has come and I've decided to play for Ireland if selected. All my family is based in Ireland. I am just looking forward to the next international
game now, as I was injured for the last one but there are a lot of games before then for Villa."
Ciaran Clark is one of the very few Villa youngsters who made full use of the opportunities that were provided to them. Aston Villa has one of the most depleted squads in the Barclays Premier League, as many of their big names are out of action due to injuries.
Clark has been particularly impressive through the season, but the highlight were his two goals in a 4-2 defeat against Arsenal at Villa Park.
Moreover, Aston Villa’s new manager said that he was very impressed by Clark’s quality. Gerard Houllier said that since he joined Villa, he was very impressed by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ciaran-Clark-c9247. The Frenchman did however add that he was not sure about Clark's best position. Houllier
said, "He's young, he can run, he can play, so I'm pleased to see him in the midfield. At the moment, I've got two good centre-backs, but he's a good player so I'm using him as a defensive midfielder."
Aston Villa have not been in good form in all competitions. At the start of the season they crashed out of the Europa League, and this month they lost to fierce rivals Birmingham City in the quarter-finals of Carling Cup. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664 Houllier and his men are
currently placed 15th in the Barclays Premier League standings with 20 points from 19 League games.
Aston Villa were crushed 4-0 by Manchester City away from home last Wednesday. They will play their next match against defending champions http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 at Stamford Bridge on 2 January 2011.
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