Winger Jack Clarke has returned to Tottenham Hotspur from Stoke City early after suffering an Achilles injury which is set to keep him out for the rest of the season.

The 20 year-old, who joined Stoke during the January transfer window, had been a consistent player in Michael O’Neill’s squad, appearing in 14 matches and making six starts.

Clarke proved his worth in his brief time at Staffordshire, recording two assists while helping Stoke City climb spots in the EFL Championship table. 

Manager Michael O'Neill's statement

“It’s never nice when a loan is cut short like that,” O’Neill said. “He struggled a bit to start in recent weeks because the system made it difficult for him but overall we’ve been pleased with the contribution he’s made.”

This was Clarke's third time on loan as a Spurs player, after successive spells with Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers

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First team experience

Earlier this season, Clarke made his first team debut with Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League, playing in the group stage against LASK and Ludogorets

The York native also featured in the Spurs FA Cup campaign, playing 25 minutes in Tottenham's 5-0 win against Marine FC

Although he practiced mostly with Tottenham's first team for the first half of the season, Clarke also featured in the Premier League 2 (u23), recording two goals and one assist in eight games played. 

“Due to an injury setback, my time at Stoke has come to an end,” Clarke said on social media. “Special thanks to everyone at the club for welcoming me in. All the best for the rest of the season.”

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