PETER CLARKE is set to return to duty when Town tackle Rotherham in their final pre-season friendly tomorrow.
The skipper was sidelined by a back niggle sustained at Dunfermline 10 days ago, but came through yesterday’s training session without problem.
Now he’ll have a run-out at the Don Valley Stadium (3.00), as boss Lee Clark fine tunes ahead of the home League I opener against Bury seven days later.
News of the influential Clarke’s return comes after defender Liam Ridehalgh and midfielders Damien Johnson and Scott Arfield figured in last night’s 2-1 win at Eastwood Town, sealed by goals from Matt Crooks and Alan Lee.
It was a first pre-season run-out for the trio, all of whom are fit again after injuries.
Ridehalgh has recovered from a foot problem picked up early in April.
Johnson, back for a second season-long loan from Plymouth, hadn’t played since surgery on the knee-ligament damage he suffered in December.
Meanwhile Arfield suffered a thigh strain early in pre-season.
Town go for a sixth win in as many senior friendlies tomorrow, but Clark insisted: “It’s all about the performance.
“I’m pleased with the way things have gone so far, and we’ve been able to utilise all the squad and try a few different systems.
“We’ll continue the tweaking in what will I believe be a tough test against Rotherham, who have made some good signings and should make in impact in League II.”
