'Dreams to reality' - How injury cost Walsall's Courtney Clarke his Championship debut in 2022
Walsall midfielder Courtney Clarke has revealed a broken foot prevented him from making his Championship debut with Derby County under Wayne Rooney in 2022.
The Rams' relegation to League One had been confirmed by the time Rooney presented the news to Clarke that he would involved in the final game against Cardiff City at Pride Park in 2022.
Rooney had applied his faith in young players, after a tumultuous campaign, which had seen Derby deducted a total of 21 points.
Clarke trained eagerly in anticipation for the weekend ahead, when suddenly, injury struck...
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"Rooney did tell me I was going to make my debut for Derby in the Championship against Cardiff," Clarke revealed.
"I was preparing for that and then I broke my foot, but Rooney really like people who were creative and brave.
"That's what he was as a player and he would love youngsters who played with freedom as well.
