LEE CLARK is ready to step up his search for another centre-back after blasting the “kamikaze” defending which contributed to last night’s frustrating 1-1 home draw with Carlisle.
Town could have returned to League I’s automatic promotion places with victory, but had to make do with going third ahead of today’s games involving their promotion rivals after giving away an eighth-minute goal scored by Liam Noble.
In-form Jordan Rhodes, watched by Scotland boss Craig Levein and scouts from 10 Premier League clubs, levelled in the 38th minute with his 21st goal of the campaign at club level.
But Town couldn’t conjure a winner, with Clark reacting to a near miss by Rhodes by saying : “If he gets that kind of chance at Notts County on Monday, I’d back him to stick it away.”
Clark also praised left-back Gary Naysmith, midfielders Oscar Gobern and Tommy Miller, striker Lee Novak and wideman Danny Cadamarteri, who was handed a first start since March.
But the boss, who paired returning skipper Peter Clarke and Antony Kay in the centre of defence, warned his players: “Keep repeating the mistakes you are making and there will be changes.
“None of the players who have had opportunities at centre-back can say they haven’t had a fair crack of the whip, and I would say most of the goals we’re conceding are being caused in that area.”
Clark hasn’t discounted a move for Alex Bruce, who played three times on loan from Leeds before being recalled by the injury-hit Elland Road club on Thursday.
“Alex has improved every game as his fitness has got better, and he gives us that vital calmness,” added the manager.
Clark concluded: “It was a game we should have won. We gave away a dreadful goal, and ultimately, if that doesn’t happen, we win 1-0.”
