Tottenham's Jack Clarke touted for 'perfect' Sunderland return after impressing Jose Mourinho; The Spurs winger impressed during a loan spell on Wearside.
Byline: By, Matty Hewitt
Jack Clarke's brilliant performance away at Sheffield Wednesday in the League One play-off semi-final was one of the main reasons behind Sunderland advancing to the Wembley showpiece. At times, the Tottenham loanee looked like he was playing football in the schoolyard with his mates and wasn't planning on giving them the ball any time soon.
His fine work down the left-hand side set up Patrick Roberts for an injury-time aggregate winner, which sent the red and white supporters delirious behind the goal. Clarke was one of the bright sparks from the Black Cats' end of season run in, and it was a surprise that he didn't start at Wembley.
Alex Neil's decision to bring in Elliot Embleton certainly paid off with the Academy of Light graduate opening the scoring, with Clarke replacing him just after the hour, with the game evenly poised. His introduction gave Sunderland more impetus going forward and he had a brilliant chance to score himself.
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It wasn't to be, but promotion to the Championship capped a fine loan spell for the youngster, even if it did take him time to get into his rhythm after arriving in January, which is understandable given his lack of consistent game time this season. Sunderland's promotion to the second tier of English football will open doors that were previously closed.
Clarke is entering the final year of his contract with Tottenham, but could be given this summer to force his way into Antonio Conte's plans. The former Leeds United winger impressed former boss Jose Mourinho with his natural fitness, but he's spent the majority of his Spurs career playing for the Under-23s.
Chronicle Live spoke with Alasdair Gold, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent for Football London, to see what might be next for Clarke and whether a return to Wearside is likely.
What was the general consensus prior to his Sunderland loan move
Alasdair Gold: "That he's an enthusiastic, forward-thinking young player with some of the best fitness levels within the Tottenham squad. Jose Mourinho was really impressed with that aspect of his game when he was at the club.
"The problem is that his opportunities to play have been few and far between for Spurs because of the strength on the squad on the flanks and when those few chances have come at Tottenham he hasn't exactly blown everyone away. Admittedly that's tough to do when you're not getting...
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