HOLDEN HAILS CLARKE

Wednesday 18 August 2004, 10:45

Andy Holden hailed the performance of Peter Clarke as the reserves drew 0-0 with West Bromwich Albion at Haig Avenue on Tuesday night.

The result means that the Blues are yet to concede a goal in the Barclays Premiership Reserve League North this season and Holden was full of praise for his reserve team captain.

Clarke is currently on a short term deal with the club after his contract expired in the summer but Holden is sure that as long as the 22-year-old keeps working hard he will succeed.

"I thought Peter Clarke was outstanding on the night," he told evertonfc.com.

"He came up against Scott Dobie, who threatened us on a couple of occasions, but Clarkey managed to stifle him.

"He did well and I am very pleased for him because when he defends and goes about things the right way, he's very good to watch.

"I gave him the captaincy because he leads by example and hopefully if he stays here or goes to another club, people will realise that he is a leader on the pitch."

Holden was pleased with the work ethic of his entire side as they battled hard for every ball and even though they failed to score the Blues boss feels that his youngsters had the better of the chances.

"It was a 0-0 draw, but I thought that we did just enough to win the game," he said.

"I just thought that we troubled their 'keeper more than they troubled ours, but it was a smashing performance. We showed a great work ethic and it was good to see."