Michael Beale says he’s been impressed with Sunderland star Jack Clarke for more than just the quality he provides in the final third.
Jack Clarke has powered Sunderland’s play-off challenge this term through his devastating goalscoring.
The 23-year-old has lit up the Championship this season with 12 goals scored, dragging the Black Cats single-handedly through several matches.
When Sunderland appointed Michael Beale, Clarke was on his biggest drought of the season without scoring or assisting (four matches).
He has since returned to the devastating form that saw Tony Mowbray hail him as a ‘super talent’ by scoring the winner against Hull City on Boxing Day, an equaliser from the penalty spot against Rotherham United before assisting Nazariy Rusyn for his goal in the 2-0 win over Preston.
As a result, a rising tide of speculation continues to surround the Englishman. He’s been subjected to interest from several Premier League sides but Sunderland insist he isn’t for sale.
Clarke has ultimately garnered high levels of interest because of the magic he’s producing from his wand of a right boot, but Beale has been equally impressed with how conducts himself in other areas of his game.
Michael Beale has been ‘really impressed’ with Jack Clarke’s work ethic
Having talent is one thing but that must go alongside work ethic and dedication – Beale believes that Clarke has that in abundance.
Speaking ahead of their important fixture against Ipswich Town on Saturday evening, he said: “I’ve been really impressed with him since I came in in terms of his work ethic and quality. I think the speculation is always going to be there when you’re scoring the amount of goals he is.”
“We’re under no pressure to sell any players. In all these things, there are a lot of different angles.
“At the moment, Jack is super-happy, he is focused, his training level is high. If certain bids come in for your players as a Championship club, they are not welcome but they get to a number and the Premier League numbers can cause chaos to your season in a month like January.”
Clarke should stay at Sunderland
Despite not signing a contract with the club, Clarke seems intent on staying at the Stadium of Light.
It was only last month that his agent and former Sunderland player, Ian Harte, spoke about how much he “loves it” at the club.
Hearing that straight from the horses mouth is only a positive for the Wearsiders, who are desperate to keep their star player, and it looks as though they will.
With Clarke settled in the North East, it would take a mammoth bid for the Black Cats to even consider selling him.
It’s also not feasible for the 23-year-old to leave halfway through the season, especially when his side are in the thick of a play-off battle.
He should remain at the Stadium of Light, attempt to get his side promoted and then make a decision on his future in the summer.