The 23-year-old replaced Frank Sinclair at half-time in the Reserves 2-0 loss to Wolves last night. It was Clarke’s first run-out since recovering from a knee injury suffered at Grimsby just over a fortnight ago.
His return to fitness gives boss Andy Ritchie a timely selection headache for Saturday’s trip to Northampton.
Clarke admitted: “It was great to be back. I was disappointed after working so hard in pre-season to pick up the injury.
“I managed to get five to six games under my belt at the start of this season and I felt really strong. Unfortunately after the Grimsby game I came off feeling a bit stiff around my knee and it ended up being a bit of a strain, so I’ve been left out the last couple of games but it’s lovely to be back.
“I’m working hard in training now and hopefully I proved a point to the gaffer that I’m right for Saturday.”
Clarke was joined in the second-string side by Sinclair, captain Jon Worthington and Danny Cadamarteri, who were all making comebacks. Worthington and Sinclair were taken off after 45 minutes with the Cobblers test on the horizon, while Cadamarteri played his first full game since pre-season.
“We have had some big players out in Franks, Cads and Worthy – any team that loses those sort of players would find it really tough,” said Clarke. “The lads have worked very hard to battle on and prove to the gaffer that they are just as good.
“The gaffer will be pleased that all the lads he was worried about have come through well.”
Denes Rosa won it for Wolves with goals on six and 25 minutes.
Town: Eastwood, Roberts (Pickering, HT) Jackson, Sinclair (Clarke, HT), Killock, Racchi, Young, Worthington (Codman, HT) Berrett, Akins, Cadamarteri. Subs not used: Smithies, Broadbent.
