Ciaran Clark: The Magpie who came in from the cold

Ciaran Clark is wearing a broad smile at the Irish squad’s training base in Abbotstown — and with good reason.

Frozen out at Newcastle United to the extent that he contemplated a move in the summer, and having not featured for Ireland since the 4-1 Nations Cup defeat to Wales just over a year ago, the 30-year-old defender has suddenly found himself back in favour with both club and country.