‘Looking forward ’ - Grant McCann on Josh Clarke’s move to Doncaster Rovers becoming permanent
Josh Clarke made his first start for Rovers since officially becoming a permanent member of the squad
Grant McCann says he’s looking forward to seeing young goalkeeper Josh Clarke develop at the club over the next few seasons.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international joined Rovers on an initial loan move from Scottish Championship side Patrick Thistle. Clarke was brought in to provide competition for fellow loanee Tommy Simkin, who came in from English Championship outfit Stoke City.
However, the deal for Clarke was always done with a view to turning it into a permanent deal as McCann explained in his post-match interview.
Following the defeat to Huddersfield, the Doncaster Rovers manager said: “That was already in the plan. It was always going to happen. As soon as he made a start, he turned to a permanent. It was just the structure of the deal.”
Clarke made his first competitive outing for Rovers during a 3-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup and was part of the team which lost by the same scoreline in the EFL Trophy against Huddersfield Town.
However, the 22-year-old has shown he’s capable of making some good saves and despite conceding six in his first two matches has made a positive impression on McCann.
He added: “Another good performance from him tonight. He'll be disappointed with the goals that's gone in the back of his net, but I don't think he could have done much with them.
“The first one's taken a slight deflection. The second one's a near post header that we should deal with and we should block low. And the third one, obviously, it's a good finish from Sorensen.
“Josh has been good. He'll be disappointed because when you look at a goalkeeper, you think the two goals he's got, two games he's played, he's conceded six goals.I don't think he could do much with any of the goals. So I'm looking forward to seeing what he'll bring over the next two or three years with us.”