Blackburn Rovers v Huddersfield Town is benchmark says Clark

Jul 21 2010 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Lee Clark

FANS get their first home sighting of Town’s new signings against Blackburn Rovers tonight with manager Lee Clark admitting: “This is a benchmark test for us.”

Around 8,000 are expected at the Galpharm Stadium (7.45) for the visit of Sam Allardyce’s Premiership big-boys and Town have all seven summer arrivals in their squad.

Striker Jordan Rhodes, who returned to training yesterday after suffering heavy bruising to his left leg in the friendly at Bury, will have a late fitness test to see if he can be involved, and Clark is relishing what is a key 90 minutes in the build-up to the League I campaign on August 7.

“It would be nice to nail two or three things down with regard to the team and to keep as many players on for as long as possible, depending on how they are playing,” revealed Clark. “This is a good opportunity for my players to show at this stage they can produce the goods against a top-level team.

“Blackburn had a good season in the Premiership and it’s going to be a big test.

“When a test comes along, though, it’s important you respond and, while this is a big test, it’s right we should step up and play Premiership opposition.”