Is Ciaran Clark heading straight back to Newcastle United’s bench?
Ciaran Clark might’ve been Newcastle United’s hero on Monday but that doesn’t guarantee him a starting spot when West Ham United visit St James’s Park on Saturday, according to a report.
Clark replaced the injured Paul Dummett and scored what proved the winning goal as Newcastle beat Burnley 2-1 at Turf Moor earlier this week.
The Republic of Ireland international was also given the captain’s armband on the night, but is he set to return to the bench?
With Jamaal Lascelles close to returning from injury, The Chronicle have reported that Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is likely to sacrifice Clark to accommodate the skipper.
It would seem like a harsh decision, but then again, Benitez needs to make harsh decisions if it means Newcastle win games – and they have been.
Beating West Ham on Tyneside would give United their fourth successive Premier League win and take them even further away from the relegation zone.
Clark, a £5 million signing from Aston Villa in 2016 [Sky Sports], was linked with a move away from the North-East earlier this month, and being left out against the Irons may consolidate the belief that he must leave for the sake of his career.
Monday’s trip to Turf Moor was his first start since September.
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