Clark confirms Republic allegiance

Soccer:Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark has confirmed he is pledging his international future to the Republic of Ireland so he can repay his mother and father for the support they have shown in him.

Clark, who played 78 minutes of last Saturday’s goalless draw with Chelsea, was born in London and has captained England Under-18s.

He was approached by the FAI late last month and responded favourably after talking it through with fellow Villa defender and Ireland stalwart Richard Dunne. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old's public commitment to the Irish set-up is a big boost for Giovanni Trapattoni and his team.

“Why have I chosen to play for Ireland? For myself and my family," Clark said today. "My family have done a lot for me over the years, since I was a little boy. I owe them a lot so I’ve made this decision for them.

“Richard Dunne (Villa and Ireland defender) mentioned it to Ireland and they looked into it and got in contact with me and the club. They gave me time to think about it and about my decision.

“If all the paperwork has gone through by the next game, I’ll be in contention so fingers crossed that happens.”

Clark, regarded as one of Villa’s brightest prospects, added: “I was England Under-18 captain but I didn’t think I was going anywhere really with that. When a young lad gets an opportunity like this, it is hard to turn down.”

Former Ireland striker and under-21 boss Don Givens has watched Clark on a number of occasions.

“He’s a very good player,” said Givens recently. “He’s a tall left-sided centre half, which is nice for a start, and at a time when a lot of defenders like to get on the ball and make things happen, he’s a player who likes to defend, to get his body in the way of things and head the ball away.

“He could be a very useful addition to the set-up and the English will be disappointed, he was definitely in their plans.”

Should Clark get the all-clear to represent Ireland in time for next month's friendly against Norway, he is in with a good shout of an early call-up after Trapattoni committed to experimenting with some fringe players.

That game takes place on the 17th, while there is also the inaugural Carling Nations Cup opener against Wales in February before Ireland resume their Euro 2012 qualification campaign against Macedonia in March.