Andrew Clarke programme article
Posted : 22nd October 2022
A bright spark from Linfield’s start to the season has been Andrew Clarke. The attacking midfielder has found himself amongst the goals, netting four so far this campaign – already eclipsing his three-goal tally of last season. ‘Look at Linfield’ caught up with Andrew to get an insight on his strong start to the season.
“I have been very pleased with my goal tally so far this season. Coming into this season, I was looking to add more goals to my game. I’ve been getting into good positions and from there, it’s a case of being composed and clinical. I’ve been able to stick away a few chances and I hope that there’s many more goals to come this season.
“I’d say I’ve been putting myself into better positions to score this season, compared to last and I put a lot of hard work in during the off-season and during pre-season, so I am feeling fitter and stronger than I ever have before. I think that’s helped me to improve my general play and the goals are a result of that.”
The energetic 19 year-old arrived from Crusaders in June of last year and in just over a year with the Blues, the former Ridgeway and Saintfield United youth player believes he has been improving all the time.
“I’d like to say I have developed a lot in the time I’ve been here. The gaffer’s training has been really good and you’re playing with some of the best players in Northern Ireland every day, having the best chance to learn off them and that’s something that helps you continue to develop and improve. When you’ve players like Jamie Mulgrew, Chris Shields, and Jimmy Callacher who have achieved so much in the game, you’d be mad not to listen and learn from them.
“I’ve been asked to play quite a few positions already this season and I am more than happy to slot in anywhere to help the team. It’s great to have the trust of the manager to play different positions, particularly when there’s so much pressure at Linfield and every game matters. If I had to say where I think my strongest position is, I would say the attacking midfield role which gives you the chance to create and score goals.”
In terms of the team, the Blues have endured a difficult few weeks but Andrew is upbeat and is backing the team to respond and start climbing the league table in the coming weeks and months ahead.
“Our dressing room is full of talented and experienced players and I have no doubt that we’ve got both the ability and experience to learn from the last couple of weeks and come back stronger. Obviously, we weren’t happy with some of the results and performances of recent weeks but a lot of the players have been through these situations before. We know what we need to do over the coming weeks. Our home matches will be huge; we’ve been very strong at Windsor Park in the last few years and when the fans get behind us, we know we have got the ability to beat any team that comes here. Larne have started well and it’ll take a big performance. Hopefully, we can deliver a big result.”
Best wishes to Andrew and his team mates in today's challenging game against a confident, top of the table Inver Park team.