HE HAD to listen to the game on the radio – but memories of Town’s trip to Newcastle earlier this season are driving Tom Clarke as he prepares for tomorrow’s big FA Cup third-round clash with West Brom.

The 22-year-old midfielder had just undergone the first of two knee operations this campaign when his teammates pushed the Toon all the way before going down 4-3 in a Carling Cup second-round thriller at St James’ Park back in August.

Having come close to upsetting the leaders, Town now take on the Championship’s second-placed side, this time on their own turf, and Clarke is desperate to be involved in what looks set to be another attractive tie.

“The Newcastle match was exciting enough to listen to, so it must have been brilliant to play in,” recalled Clarke of a contest in which Theo Robinson scored twice, one of his goals coming from the penalty spot, and Jordan Rhodes once as Town led 3-1 before the Magpies hit back to dash manager Lee Clark’s hopes of toppling his old club.

“I know from talking to the lads that they all enjoyed the atmosphere up there and the chance to play against a Championship side, because that’s the level we’re all so desperate to get to.

“Newcastle have shown as the season has gone on what a good side they are, and West Brom are next to them in the table. Both were playing in the Premier League last season and there’s no doubt it’s going to be a real test.

“But we gave a great account of ourselves against Newcastle, and there’s no reason we can't do the same against West Brom and, especially with home advantage, win the tie.

“We definitely have players who are up to Championship standard right now, and we underlined our form with a great win over MK Dons on Monday, so let’s really go for it against West Brom.”

After a year made miserable by injury, Clarke is desperate for a trouble-free 2010, and would love to retain his central midfield berth against Albion after making his first start since August against MK Dons.

“I’ve had two operations, although the second was a relatively minor trimming and clean-up job, and it’s been tough for myself and my family,” explained the Halifax-born academy product and former England junior international.

“But the staff at the club have been fantastic towards me – very helpful and very supportive – and I would really like to repay that out on the pitch by playing my part in a promotion push and, of course, an FA Cup run.

“The MK Dons game was a good physical one, the kind I really enjoy, and I felt fine afterwards, which is a great sign. Now I want to kick on.”

Clarke, who made his debut at MK Dons four years ago, came on as a substitute as Town destroyed Dagenham and Redbridge 6-1 in their first-round tie at the Galpharm in November.

His only other appearance for Town in the competition was a memorable one as he came off the bench at Stamford Bridge in the third round three years ago, when Peter Jackson’s team gave Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea a scare before the Londoners sealed a 2-1 win.

Clarke’s only FA Cup start was during last season’s loan spell at Bradford and ended in defeat, with Leyton Orient winning 2-1 in the first-round tie at Valley Parade.