Southend United winger Steven Clark staked his claim for a permanent first-team spot after playing a starring role in last night's 1-0 win at Shrewsbury Town.
The 20-year-old's exciting pace-packed run gave birth to Blues midfielder Jay Smith's decisive first-half goal, sealing the Seasiders' first win in five Third Division outings.
Pointing the way - Jay Smith (left) and Mark Rawle celebrate the goal which downed Shrewsbury Town at Gay Meadow Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
And former West Ham flyer Clark, who was making his first league start since November, was pleased to be back on form.
"I really enjoyed it and I'm glad I played my part in an important win for the team," he said.
"I want to do well here and I was just pleased to get a chance to show what I can do. I have been working hard in training and doing my best to prove to the manager I can do a job for him.
"And I think I did myself justice at Shrewsbury. I feel like I'm back on form now and I hope I can carry on to play the same way.
"When I got my last chance in the first team I wasn't ready for it, but I am now and I want to make the most of it and help us get more wins under our belts."
And Southend boss Rob Newman -- whose team are now 15th in the league table, with Shrewsbury remaining 18th -- was quick to praise the youngster. "Steven has had to be patient, but he has come into the side at Shrewsbury and shown everybody what he is capable of," he said.
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Published Wednesday, January 15, 2003
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