Ciaran Clark out for rest of season; a doubt for Scotland qualifier

Aston Villa have confirmed that Ireland’s Ciaran Clark will be out for the remainder of the season.

The defender missed last weekend’s FA Cup semi-final due to ligament damage sustained during the previous week’s match against Tottenham.

Initially the club had hoped Clark would recover in time for the FA Cup final at the end of the month, but they said today his season was over.

TEAM NEWS: @PhilSend4 in the squad for Man City game. @C_Clark_6 out for the rest of the season. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/lcZruPMPtF

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 23, 2015

It is a cruel blow for the 25-year-old, who has been one of Aston Villa’s strongest performers this season.

Awful news about Ciaran Clark. Been our player of the season for me. #avfc

— Alex Berwick (@Alex_Berwick) April 23, 2015

The injury news also puts Clark’s participation in Ireland’s next Euro Qualifier in doubt.

The boys in green welcome Scotland to the Aviva Stadium on June 13, with O’Neill’s men needing a win to keep their qualification hopes on track.