Adam Clayton has entered the race to become Huddersfield  Town’s new captain.

With Peter Clarke set to leave when his contract ends this summer, keeper and stand-in skipper Alex Smithies has already said he fancies the job full-time.

Now Clayton, impressive in midfield this season, has put himself forward.

“If asked, I’d be more than happy to do it, but it’s down to the manager,” said the 25-year-old former Leeds man.

“But equally, I’d be more than happy to play alongside anybody else the manager chooses to make captain.”

Striker James Vaughan stood in when Clarke was ruled out after knee surgery until he was also sidelined.

The former Norwich frontman, Town’s 12-goal top scorer, is due back for pre-season after also having a knee operation.

Robins is also set to bring in new recruits, and could see one of them as his on-field leader.

Blackpool pair Craig Cathcart, the Northern Ireland centre-back, and Stephen Dobbie, the Scottish striker on loan from Crystal Palace, are among those already linked with the John Smith’s Stadium club.

Clarke indicated after last Saturday’s home clash with Leicester that his five-year Town stint is nearing an end and that he will soon be seeking another club.

He will hope to bow out with a 224th Town appearance at Watford this coming Saturday.

Clayton added: “Pete is not just a captain on the field, he’s a leader in life as well. He leads by example in everything he does. If he isn’t here next season he’ll be sorely missed and there will be some big shoes for someone to step into.”

Robins was at The Valley on Tuesday night to see Charlton defeat Watford 3-1 to secure their own safety in the division and was back with his players on the training ground today.

Click here for more Huddersfield Town news

Want to read, watch and hear more? You can download the FREE Examiner Apple App here, the FREE Examiner Android App here or you can view the paper as an e-edition on your Apple, Android or Kindle device by clicking here

Want the latest Huddersfield Town news? Follow our Town news Twitter here