Nigel Worthington is set to make a move for West Ham United’s Clive Clarke as the Premiership side trim their squad
Reports in South London says the Hammers are set to loose a number of fringe players with Clarke the first likely to leave in a deal that will see him sign for Norwich City.
With both Simon Charlton and Jim Brennen no longer on the books, there is a lack of cover for the left back position with Adam Drury being the only recognised left back. Clarke can play either at left back or left midfield.
Raised in County Wicklow, Clive played alongside Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Stephen McPhail at youth level in the Republic of Ireland before Stoke City secured his signature as a trainee, despite interest shown by Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers.
He made his first two League appearances towards the close of the 1998-99 season, establishing himself as the regular left-wing-back in the Stoke side the following season having seen off the challenge of Bryan Small.
Endowed with pace and the ability to deliver excellent crosses, Clive made his bow in the Republic of Ireland under-21 side against Macedonia in October 1999 and capped a fine season with a winning appearance at Wembley in the Auto Windscreens Shield.
Named as Stoke City’s club captain for the 2003-04 season, he enjoyed a new brief during the following campaign when pushed into the centre of midfield as injury ruled out John Eustace. Clive showed an eye for goal and hit several spectacular efforts from long-range.
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