NATHAN CLARKE hopes to get his career firmly back on track after a confidence boosting substitute return against Leyton Orient.

The 19-year-old defender went on for the final six minutes for only his fourth senior appearance in 17 months which have been blighted by knee trouble.

The highly-talented Academy product got a great welcome from the crowd of 8,942 and he hopes to be included again when Town face Kidderminster tomorrow.

"I couldn't believe it when the gaffer told me I was on the bench and it was brilliant to play again," said Clarke today.

"I've played a couple of games in the Reserves, but Saturday was a real step forward for me and it's all systems go from here.

"Hopefully I've proved that I'm ready for matches at first team level and I really want to push on from this, because it's an exciting time in the season.

"The lads all want to put a good run together and climb up the table and if I could be a part of that then great.

"It has been a nightmare to be out, but the fans gave me a great lift on Saturday."

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