Clark vows to seize chance

Ciaran Clark has vowed to take his Aston Villa chance alongside Jores Okore as boss Paul Lambert prepares to put his faith in the rookie partnership.

The defensive duo will start Villa’s basement battle at Burnley on Saturday after playing together for the first time against Southampton.

Ron Vlaar and Philippe Senderos are sidelined for a few weeks with calf injuries while Nathan Baker is out until the new year with a knee problem.

Denmark international Okore started his first game since September 2013 in Monday’s 1-1 draw with the Saints after recovering from cruciate knee ligament damage.

And centre-back Clark, who has only made five appearances this season, insisted the pair can cement their places in the side.

“Sometimes when you get your chance you have to make it count. I think me and Jores did just that,” said the Republic of Ireland international.

“I just went out there as if it was another game to be honest and I think Jores did fantastically. He’s been out for 14 months and to come back in and do so well is brilliant.

“I thought we did quite well. Hopefully we can improve on this now.

“All we can do is play well and keep training hard and play well in the games coming up.

“If I’m picked to play hopefully I will keep performing and play at the same level as Monday. Who knows what will happen from there.”