Clark moves on up

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI may have been presented with the solution to Ireland’s central midfield problems from an unlikely source.

Aston Villa’s centre back Ciaran Clark, who hopes to receive international clearance in time to play for Ireland against Norway this month, was thrown into yesterday’s second city derby in midfield and impressed with his handling of Birmingham’s on loan Barcelona star Alexander Hleb.

“He’s never played there before and I don’t think he knew before the game,” said the 21-year-old’s Villa team-mate Barry Bannan. “It was end to end and frantic, but he kept a cool head and put his foot on the ball and kept things ticking over.”