Former Republic of Ireland under-21 manager Don Givens travelled to Villa Park last week to watch 20 year old Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark play against Blackburn in the League Cup. Clark has already represented England at underage level, captaining both the under-19 and under-20 sides.

Caretaker Aston Villa manger Kevin MacDonald gave Clark his second and third league games for Aston Villa, starting him in central defence alongside Ireland international Richard Dunne to begin the 2010-11 Premier League Season. Clark had made his league debut last year, replacing an injured Curtis Davies against Arsenal in August 2009, and kept a clean sheet in the Villans’ 2-0 victory.

According to the Birmingham Mail, “Villa have confirmed that Clark, who is currently sidelined with a dead leg, has been approached by Ireland and is considering his decision.”

Although born in London, Clark qualifies for Ireland through his grandmother who originally comes from Donegal. Givens who is now an Ireland scout told the newspaper “He’s one of the people who qualify for Ireland. I went to the game to watch him on Wednesday and I’ve seen him in a few games for the reserves. I’m not quite sure how he will decide but he definitely qualifies for us.”

Clark is currently recovering from a dead leg, but hopes to be fit enough to make the bench for Villa’s game against Spurs this weekend.

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