Brewers bring in Clarke from Brentford but Hodge, Evtimov depart

Lucas Akins and Marcus Harness celebrate Harness’s hat-trick goal in last week’s 4-0 win at Rochdale. Now both have extended their deals with Burton. BURTON Albion have signed Brentford full-back Josh Clarke on loan until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old, who can also play on the wing, made 28 Championship appearances for the Bees last season, including in a 2-0 victory at the Pirelli Stadium.

He has made only three outings in all competitions this time around and Burton have moved to bring him in, primarily as a right-back option, to boost their hopes of chasing down League One’s top six.

“He is a full-back or wide man and we’re very, very pleased that he’s joined us until the end of the season,” said manager Nigel Clough.

“He gives us an option and some cover down that right-hand side.

“I think one of the reasons is that we see John Brayford as more of a centre-half now. I think that’s where his best performances have been.

“Ben Fox has filled in at right-back and it might well be that we keep him there and look at him and try to develop him as a right-back between now and the end of the season.

“But we certainly needed some help down that side, so Clarke will provide that.”

Burton hope to have Clarke available for today’s League One clash at home to Gillingham, if the paperwork has been sorted out in time.

Clarke has scored three goals in 71 League appearances for Brentford.

“I’m looking to get some minutes, help the team and get three points at the weekend,” he said.

“I want to help myself get back to me being the person I am, which is getting the ball, running at defenders and adding a bit of quality to the team.

“The lads here are brilliant, the team spirit is right up there and I’m here to help the team get to the playoffs.”

Meanwhile, Burton have released goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov and midfielder Elliot Hodge after their short-term deals ran out.

Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Evtimov is already training Josh Clarke (main picture) is on loan until the end of the season. Inset, Dimitar Evtimov (top) and Elliot Hodge have left the club. with another club.

He made 10 appearances in all competitions for Albion after he was brought in to cover for the injured Bradley Collins and Stephen Bywater in September, signing three separate deals during his stay and contributing to Burton’s historic Carabao Cup run.

Collins and Bywater have since returned to fitness, with the former becoming first choice and extending his loan stay from Chelsea until the end of the season.

“Dimitar has gone training down at another club,” said Clough

“I’ve phoned the manager to say you couldn’t wish for a better guy to come in and train with you, be around the place and play if you need him.

“If Brad Collins hadn’t stayed, we’d have kept Dimitar straight away.”

The last outing for both Evtimov and Hodge was in November’s Checkatrade Trophy loss to Middlesbrough Under-21s.

Evtimov earned a call-up to Bulgaria’s senior squad while at Burton.