Clark staying for a shot at the top flight
NICKY CLARK is ready to pledge his future to Premiership-bound Dundee United – and make up for last season’s play-off final flop.
The striker is in talks with Robbie Neilson’s Championship leaders to extend his stay upon Tayside having signed in summer 2018 from Dunfermline.
The 28-year-old proved his worth again with a crucial leveller in first-half injury time to spark a comeback against Alloa who had taken a 12th-minute lead through skipper Mark Reynold’s headed own goal.
Clark’s goal allied to Louis Appere’s 55th-minute winner, swelled further the feelgood factor surrounding the title favourites who made it eight straight league wins at home this season.
Clark, who was part of Neilson’s side that endured the pain of losing a penalty shoot-out to St Mirren to deny them promotion via the play-offs six months ago, said: “I definitely want to stay here.
“I’m really enjoying it. Last year was so disappointing and I want to help get this club back to where we belong and play in the Premiership for them.
“If my future is here then I’ll be delighted.
“Confidence is high and it’s a case of looking to beat the next team that is put in front of us.”
This wasn’t vintage United but their fightback was made all the more impressive given star striker Lawrence Shankland remained on the sidelines.
The 24-year-old was fit enough for a place on the bench after shrugging off a thigh injury.
But Clark and Appere’s exploits prevented the need to unleash Shankland and showed they’re far from a one-man team.
Clark added: “It’s good to see Lawrence back in the squad. He’s been working really hard on his fitness. But we need to make sure he’s right and we don’t want to rush him. If me and Louis can keep scoring it takes the pressure off.”
Clark is enjoying his football more than ever but knows United need to keep their title momentum going heading into the festive period. He said: “It’s maybe my best run of form here.
“There was a run towards the end of last season when I got a few goals but I’m delighted with how things are going for me just now and long may it continue.
“We started really well and Jamie MacDonald made a few good saves for Alloa.
“Then they got a freak goal but we stuck at it and scored just before half-time.
“A bank of four and a bank of five is hard to break down but we got a goal quite quickly in the second half and were able to see the game out.
“The three points was all we were after.”
Alloa boss Peter Grant dismissed concerns about dropping to the foot of the Championship. He said: “Bottom of the table means nothing. I’m not interested in what the table looks like right now.
“I’ll talk about leagues when we’ve got five games to go. But I know we have the players capable of getting us out of this.”