TALENT CLARKE GETS A LEG UP

Sports’ hot prospect is next in the Saddle

- Jon Couch

COURTNEY Clarke says he will be flying the flag for ‘Non-League gems’ in the EFL next season - and is determined to make the most of his dream move.

Alongside Chester’s Harrison Burke, 22-year-old Clarke is the latest starlet to be snapped up by a Walsall side who have built up quite a reputation for developing young talent under forward-thinking manager Mat Sadler.

The likes of Harry Williams, Connor Barrett and Jamie Jellis have all enjoyed breakthrough EFL campaigns under Sadler's tenure at the Bescot Stadium over the last two seasons and took the club to the brink of promotion in League Two, denied only in the Wembley play-off final by AFC Wimbledon last month.

Similarly, Clarke also suffered play-off heartache with Eastbourne Borough in National League South this season, but his performances were enough to earn the former Derby County youngster a dream move back into the EFL-and he is relishing his chance to step up.

“I’m absolutely buzzing and so happy to play in the EFL,” Clarke told The NLP.