NATHAN CLARKE has been told to target his best ever season as he returns for Town in tomorrow's friendly at Rochdale (3.00).

The 21-year-old central defender, who has been recovering from a thigh strain, will play alongside Martin McIntosh and David Mirfin at Spotland, where the pitch is reported to be in excellent condition.

It is a final warm-up game for Peter Jackson's senior line-up before the League I kick-off at Nottingham Forest next Saturday and the manager is delighted Clarke is back in the fold.

"Nathan came through a full training session yesterday and it's great to have him back because he's a big, big player for me," said the manager, who takes a second-string side to Bradford Park Avenue on Monday (7.30).

"He was terrific last season, his form towards the end of the campaign was absolutely excellent and let's hope this upcoming season can be his best yet for the club.

"Nathan was very highly regarded as a youngster and, as everyone knows, he has had more than his fair share of injuries.

"But, since I've been back at the club he's got stronger and stronger, he truly is one of the best young centre-backs around and there's no reason why he shouldn't set his sights on making his biggest impact so far in Town colours."

Jackson, who was due to play Academy goalkeeper Simon Eastwood in last night's washed out friendly against AFC Emley at the Welfare Ground, will instead have the youngster on the bench tomorrow in the place of injured Phil Senior (groin).

Local hero Andy Booth will lead the attack alongside Pawel Abbott and it's likely that new signing Mark Hudson will get the vote in central midfield alongside skipper Jon Worthington, although Jackson will not confirm his line-up until tomorrow.

"I spoke to Steve Parkin at a League managers' meeting yesterday and he says the Rochdale pitch is really good, so I'm looking for a good, solid performance and, hopefully, a clean sheet as well," added the manager.

Admission is £5 adults and £2 for Under 16s and seniors.

Meanwhile, the Galpharm ticket office and Stadium Superstore will be open from 10am to 3.15pm tomorrow because of the rugby league Challenge Cup semi-final.

On Sunday, the Superstore is open from 12.15 to 1.45.