LEE CLARK is expecting Joe Skarz to make a major push for a starting spot next season.
Town’s manager loaned the 19-year-old left-back to League I rivals Hartlepool this season, and kept close tabs on his seven outings for the Victoria Park side.
Now he wants Skarz to give him no choice but to add to his 61 appearances for his hometown club.
“We watched all the matches Joe played for Hartlepool, and we’ve very good reports back about the way he conducted himself,” said Clark, who also loaned striker Keigan Parker to the North-East club.
“Joe should be pleased at the way things went for him, and now he’s back with us, there’s every reason to expect big things from him.
“There was never any question of him being allowed to move permanently. In Joe’s case, it was very much a move to gain experience.
“Robbie Williams really upped his game and staked a claim for the left-back position, and given the lack of reserve-team games and the fact that we had additional cover in Dominik Werling, it made more sense for Joe to go to a club where he could get regular football.”
Clark had decided against offering Werling a new contract, so it would seem to be a straight scrap between Skarz and ex-Barnsley man Williams for the left-back slot.
“Competition is always crucial and Robbie has set the standard,” added Clark.
“But going into pre-season training I’ve got an open mind, and it’s all about catching the eye.”
Clark would be willing to let former Blackpool striker Parker leave, but Hartlepool, for whom he played nine times but failed to score, seem unlikely to push for a permanent deal.
