Clarke hails dream draw

NATHAN Clarke hailed a "dream" draw as Athletic landed a possible away-day at Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup.

The on-loan centre-back, who only finally got the all-clear to play at Roots Hall from Huddersfield Town shortly before the team coach departed on Friday morning, has twice played in ties at Stamford Bridge in recent years.

And while his current loan spell runs out at the turn of the year, Clarke is at least hoping to help Athletic fulfil their Anfield dream.

“It is a fantastic draw, unbelievable really, and something you dream about," said Clarke, an early replacement for the injured Zander Diamond in the 1-1 draw.

“I was lucky enough with Huddersfield in the FA Cup to go to Chelsea, twice (in 2006 and 2008), and it is a great experience.

“Playing at these sorts of stadiums is a dream and the atmosphere is fantastic and something that stays with you. At Huddersfield, the Chelsea games gave a big boost to the fans and players. At the same time, the money they brought in was very useful as well.

“But we know we still have a very tough replay to get through against Southend first and we need to make sure we are fully focused on that.”

James Wesolowski's goal looked to have set Athletic on the way to outright victory at Southend, only for the home side to fight back strongly late on in the game to earn a replay. Clarke was able to take some credit for the midfielder's excellent opener.

"With the accident, Jim had no studs as they were in the boot of his car that blew up last week," he added. So he borrowed mine and finally got a goal out of them.

"I will claim some part of what was a fantastic strike. He has got that in his locker, as we saw at Preston. He is a top guy who works so hard for the team and he deserved that."

The 26-year-old also said he is open to extending his stay at Boundary Park.

"The gaffer has spoken with me and is pleased with what I have done at the club," said Clarke. "I just want to be playing football. I am glad I managed to get some time on the pitch at Southend and hopefully cemented in the gaffer's mind that I am a more than capable replacement or starter."