Mixed feelings of Leeds hero as he feared for Clarke
MIDDLESBROUGH: LEEDS: REF: ATT:
Wing Phillips
KALVIN PHILLIPS’ emotions were all over the place after snatching a point for Leeds with a 101stminute equaliser.
As left the pitch, the midfielder’s thoughts were for team-mate Jack Clarke, who collapsed in the dug-out and was taken to hospital after suffering a suspected seizure.
Fortunately, the teenager was discharged on Saturday night after undergoing tests. Clarke, who will sit out Wednesday’s visit by Swansea, said: “I would like to thank everyone for the support and love they have shown, it’s massively appreciated.”
Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear said: “Jack will undergo more tests and everything is looking well, but he won’t train for the rest of the week.”
Clarke’s agent, former Leeds defender Ian Harte, said: “We’d like to thank Middlesbrough’s medical team and also everyone at James Cook Hospital, where the staff have been brilliant.
“Jack has left hospital and is happy and smiling. Hopefully he’ll be back on the pitch soon.”
There was genuine concern in the Leeds camp and Phillips said: “It was not a nice feeling coming into the changing room. Everyone just wanted to know how Jacko was.
“I was happy to get a goal and rescue a point, but it was a bit of a mix.”
A pulsating promotion contest was delayed for seven minutes as paramedics attended to Clarke (below) with Luke Ayling, who had just been substituted, clearly distressed.
So it was testimony to their character that Leeds could regain their composure and earn the draw their second-half display deserved.
Despite their recent wobble, Leeds remain convinced this is the season their 15-year Premier League exile will end and are developing a siege mentality.
“You want to prove people wrong,” added Phillips. “There’s a lot of stuff flying around and obviously people don’t like us.
“But we’re not bothered and it motivates us even more.”
Boro remain unbeaten in the league since Boxing Day and while home form remains a concern – just three league wins in almost six months – they are still in the mix.
Lewis Wing’s goal looked like settling the game until Leeds’ leveller, but Boro remain upbeat ahead of another six-pointer at Sheffield United on Wednesday.
New signing John Obi Mikel said: “We’ve had three massive games in a row and picking up four points from the last two is a good sign.”
MATCH STATS
MOTM
PABLO HERNANDEZ (LEEDS)