LEE CLARK has explained how Derek Fazackerley’s contacts Down Under brought Calum Hare to Town on trial – and urged supporters to forget John Rooney’s family links.

The Galpharm boss is running the rule over 20-year-old Australian central midfielder Hare and 19-year Rooney, the younger brother of Manchester United and England star Wayne.

Hare, involved in the youth set-up at A-League club Gold Coast United, has been playing for Brisbane Strikers in the Queensland State League.

Meanwhile attacking midfielder Rooney is out of contract at Macclesfield, who because they have offered him fresh terms, would be entitled to compensation should he leave.

The pair each had 45 minutes in Friday’s 5-0 friendly win at AFC Emley and would have featured at Wakefield on Saturday had the game not been called off.

Now they will train with Town this week and take part in one or both of the warm-up matches at Bradford Park Avenue on Wednesday and Frickley Athletic on Thursday.

“Derek has particularly strong contacts in Australia, and they threw up Calum’s name,” said Clark, who had Aussie international left-back Dean Heffernan in his squad last season.

“We thought it worth taking a good look, and pre-season is an ideal time to do that, because the number of friendlies provides plenty of chance to make an assessment.

“It’s the same with John Rooney, who will also be given a good chance to show himself worthy of a contract here.

“All I would ask is that people don’t make too much of his name. We’ll make a judgement on him and him alone.”

Rooney (pictured) joined Macclesfield in March 2008 and has made 46 appearances, 27 of them starts, scoring four goals.

He had spells training with Championship sides Derby and Preston last season.

Brisbane Strikers said on their website of Hare: “Calum has formally departed the club to go for trials with Huddersfield Town.

“He emerged through the Strikers’ youth squad last season to make a handful of appearances for the senior team before joining the Gold Coast United’s National Youth League squad.

“He returned briefly to the Strikers this season when the club found itself with a host of injured players, and played for the senior squad three times.

“However, he then picked up an injury himself and spent an extended spell on the sidelines before returning to training while exploring overseas options.

“After the opportunity to trial with Huddersfield Town came up, he left for the United Kingdom and has been de-registered by the Strikers.

“Calum is wished every success by this club in his endeavours to secure a contract with Huddersfield.”