A year to remember for Ciaran Clark

Ciaran Clark has come a long way since making his Villa bow against Fulham little more than a year ago.

Judging by the quality of his performance in shutting out the Cottagers that day - he gave a calm and composed display in the 2-0 win last August - his rise to the fore under Gerard Houllier should come as little surprise.

And to say it's been a whirlwind few weeks for the 21-year-old for club and country is an understatement.

First, Clark committed his international future to the Republic of Ireland - despite captaining England at youth level.

Then, last week, he committed his future to the club by signing a new three-year contract.

Finally - a centre-back by trade on Sunday -he found himself thrown in at the deep end in the derby battle with Birmingham in the unfamiliar territory of midfield, sitting in front of the back four.

Once again, Clark passed the test with flying colours with a Man of the Match display in the stalemate.

He said: "It was a bit of a surprise getting selected. I've never played that role before.

"The manager spoke to me and felt I could do it and it boosts your confidence when he tells you something like that.

"I found out on the Saturday before we trained. I didn't really think about it too much. I just got my head down and watched a bit of TV, just the usual sort of preparation.

"I spoke to a few of the more experienced lads like Nigel Reo-Coker and Luke Young and they were just encouraging me to go out there and do what I normally do.

"It was the Sunday morning it really began to dawn on me, but once I got out there and warmed up it just all seemed to go out of my head.

"Everyone encouraged me through the game, there was a lot of help and talking - they let me know where to be and where not to be!

"I didn't play youth or reserves in midfield. But I did play there at the younger levels, 13s, 14s but since then I haven't been there.

"It's been all about defence."

But Clark would have no qualms with playing the position again.

He said: "I think I can do a job there. My main position is centre-back, but if I was needed to play there again I'd do it.

"Maybe the manager played me there because I'm quite comfortable on the ball. I'm always up there in the box for set-pieces, trying to get my head on things and being a nuisance.

"I've had two chances now against Chelsea and Birmingham, it would be nice if I could make it third time lucky!"

It could have been even better had a late header not crept the wrong side of the post - an accidental fist in the face from the onrushing Ben Foster leaving him with a bloodied nose.

He said: "If it was outside the box, I think it would have been a free-kick.

"It didn't get given so we just have to get on with it now."

Clark already has good memories of facing Fulham and hopes to add another one tomorrow, as 14th-placed Villa bid to end a four-game winless streak in the league.

He said: "It was my debut game so I'll always remember it. They are a good side. We just need to get that win and hopefully it will come against Fulham.

"There's only a couple of points separating a lot of teams. It's just so tight at the moment that anything could happen.

"Once we get our win we would get our confidence again. We'll look to push on.

"Looking at the table, it looks like a bit like the Championship - everyone is beating everyone."

Clark, passed fit after recovering from a dead leg, is also delighted to have extended his stay in the Midlands.

He said: "Once you get that extra three years you have a bit of security there.

"You know you can get your head down and concentrate without worrying at all. I have had a lot more chances than I had last season.

"I am definitely moving in the right direction and it's an exciting time to be at the club under Gerard Houllier."

By Brendan McLoughlin