The latest addition to the impressive PMA roster of players is Huddersfield's England Under 17 international Tom Clarke. The 18-year-old has already played 29 first team games for the Terriers, as they push for promotion to the Championship. And amongst the highlights so far his season was a classic FA Cup encounter at Premiership champions Chelsea. Clarke has an older brother, Nathan (22) who has firmly established himself at the heart of Huddersfield's defence and his younger sibling has partnered him there on occasions. An ankle injury is currently keeping Clarke on the sidelines but, as givemefootball's Ian Clarkson discovered, Clarke intends to play his part in what he hopes will be a successful end of season.
Q:WHAT IS THE SITUATION WITH YOUR INJURY?
A:I went over on my ankle in training but I have been patient and should hopefully be back soon. I have only been out for a couple of weeks, so it won't have affected my fitness too much.
Q:WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN UP WITH THE AGENCY ARM OF THE PFA?
A:My mum and dad decided that joining with the PMA was the right decision to make. They had heard so much good stuff about the PFA that they thought it was the right way forward for me at my age.
Q:DOES IT HELP TO SEE PLAYERS SUCH AS CURTIS DAVIES ON THEIR BOOKS?
A:Curtis Davies is an excellent role model for me, especially as a centre half. Since I signed up with the PMA though they have treated me exactly the same way as they look after Curtis. They regard all their players as very important and it is nice to be given good advice.
Q:YOU HAVE MANAGED TO RACK UP A LOT OF GAMES FOR AN 18-YEAR-OLD HAVEN’T YOU?
A:I had a good start to my career managing to play so many games at a young age. It was nice to play a lot of games last season. This season the manager has brought in a lot of experience and I have had to be more patient but I have still managed to play a decent amount of games. I am learning all the time.
Q:IS THERE A BIT OF SIBLING RIVALRY BETWEEN YOURSELF AND NATHAN?
A:There is a lot of competition between us. I see him every day at training and obviously I am pleased that he is playing regularly in the first team. That is my ambition. I would like to do what he has done and be a regular name on the team sheet.
Q:HOW IS YOUR INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPING?
A:I have played for the England Under 17 side and I actually got a letter through today telling me I had been named in the squad for the Under 19 side for their qualifiers, which is really good news. Another highlight of the season was coming on in the second half against Chelsea in the FA Cup tie at Stamford Bridge. They have got some great players and I was lucky enough to mark Joe Cole. It was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed.
Q:WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF PROMOTION THIS SEASON?
A:We are third at present and in with a great chance. We have a good run of games coming up against teams where we fell we can get points on the board. We definitely still think that we can gain automatic promotion rather than having to go through the play-offs.
Q:WHAT IS YOUR ASSESSMENT OF THE MANAGER PETER JACKSON?
A:If Peter Jackson was a no-nonsense player then he is certainly the same as a manager. He has been great for me, as he likes to give younger players the opportunity to play first team football. However, if he isn't happy then he isn't shy at telling you exactly what he thinks! I have got a lot of respect for him though and I think he is an excellent manager.
