City defender wants to become a senior member of the Sky Blues in 2012/13
Sky Blues defender Jordan Clarke believes he could become a leader in the squad as he prepares for the start of 2012/13 season.
The 20-year old has now made over 50 appearances for the first team since breaking through in the 2009/10 season after some promising displays for the Academy.
After recovering from a knee injury sustained in pre-season, he made 19 appearances last year including scoring one goal against Cardiff City.
Despite his age, Clarke feels he can become a senior member of the squad in what he hopes is a promotion winning season for the Sky Blues.
The defender said: “We have got quite a young squad with a lot of lads from the Academy getting a chance to make an impact in the first team.
“For the first time coming into a season, I feel like I am one of the senior players in the squad, even though my age might tell you otherwise.
“I feel like I have a bit more responsibility now and a bit more respect in the dressing room now. Not that I didn’t have respect before, but a different kind of respect, like one of the older lads.
“Hopefully I can really play a part in the team being successful this year and make sure we push hard to get the club back where it should be.”
Clarke is expected to be included in the squad which will play against Dagenham and Redbridge tomorrow night in the Capitol One Cup.
With injuries preventing him from starting the last season, the Academy product is raring to go for the cup clash.
He added: “Last season, it was really difficult for me. I started out in pre-season alright but then I got that injury which really set me back.
“But this time, I have been able to relax a bit and then as we have got more into pre-season, I have got a lot stronger and I am feeling ready for it.
“I can’t wait to get started and I am looking to take on some of that form I showed at the end of last season into this season.”
“It is different starting with a cup clash but we are ready for it.”