| The start to the former Dunfermline, Cowdenbeath and Clyde striker’s Dens Park career was stalled by a groin injury, but his contribution as a sub against Aberdeen and then Ross County last week pleased boss Jocky Scott.
As usual, Jocky will keep his selection intentions under wraps until the last possible minute, but, today, he did not hide the fact Clarke was in his thoughts.
“He has done well in the last couple of games and I am aware that, in terms of game time, he is a bit behind the rest of the squad,” said Jocky.
“I’m also thinking about holding back a few of the boys who’ve played most of the games so far, because we have another big game, against Partick, next week, so using Pat from the start is something I will consider.”
Along with the other players who have not been in the starting line-up, Clarke was pencilled in for a run-out in a closed-door friendly against Hibs this afternoon.
Other names on the team-sheet included the recently re-signed keeper Derek Soutar, Chris Casement, Kyle Benedictus and Darren Young.
Missing from that action and training was centre-half Jim Lauchlan, as well as long-term absentees Rab Douglas and Colin McMenamin.
While the ankle ligament injury he suffered against Aberdeen will keep striker McMenamin out for a few more weeks, early indications are he is healing quicker than anticipated.
He was expected to be out until at least the end of October, but could be back a week or two sooner. |
