The defender has been a victim of the rotation policy at Newcastle United.
Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark has joked to the Chronicle that he is willing to play in goal to get into Rafa Benitez’s side.
The Republic of Ireland defender made the move to St. James’ Park in the summer transfer window in a switch from Aston Villa.
He was primarily brought in by manager Benitez to add more centre-back options to his squad.
He has largely played there in his time at the club so far but has also found himself playing at left-back at times.
That is because of Benitez’s rotation policy, and the defender jokes that he is willing to play anywhere, including in goal, just to get into the team.
“I prefer to play centre-half,” he told the Chronicle.
“I have played in a lot of positions but to be honest I will play anywhere I am asked. I’d play in goal if I had to. Centre-half, though, is the position that I’d like to settle down in.”
Benitez’s rotation policy has been something that has hit all the players in their 11 games so far, with nobody in the squad safe from being dropped.
It could be seen as something of a negative, with the constant changing meaning that partnerships, particularly between centre-backs, cannot be struck up.
Clark argues differently, though, saying the rotation means Newcastle instead have partnerships with several players all at once.
“We have some quality players here and hopefully through training more, and playing more with all the boys we will all strike up good partnerships,” he added.
“With the rotation system, we have here it means you can get a partnership going with different players when needed.”
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