Coventry City

The City striker, who joined from Charlton Athletic in January, has enjoyed a productive spell at the club so far, scoring 10 goals in 15 appearances.

This prolific goal-scoring record was achieved with Clarke playing through the pain barrier as he sustained an ankle fracture during the season.

The 29-year old hoped to continue playing for City but admits the pain 'became unbearable'.

Clarke said: "It wasn't nice to find out I was going to be out as it was an injury which I had been trying to manage for a few weeks.

"I wanted to keep going but the pain just became unbearable. I just couldn't keep going. It was really disappointing but now I know after the surgery, I will come back twice as strong.

"With the treatment, it is a problem which hopefully won't come back again. But on the other side of it, it gives Cody (McDonald) and Callum (Wilson) the chance to stake a claim in the side. 

"Hopefully, the side can get the goals which will be needed to get us to the place we need to be at the end of the season."

Along with winning Goal of the Month, the City forward has also been nominated for the npower League One Player of the Year award for his performances throughout the season.

Clarke believes it has been one of his best seasons in football and he is hoping he can continue the form he has shown this season, throughout his stay at Coventry.

He added: "Yeah, it has definitely been one of my most. I have been able to show consistency wherever I have played this season which has been crucial.

"Sometimes, when you change teams, it can be difficult to hit the ground running but luckily, the teams I have played at this season, I have been able to fit right in and continue my form.

"I have been able to score goals regularly, which on a personal level is nice. I went into games every week feeling as though I was going to score which is always positive."