Classy Clarkson is as good as Jim expected
Leighton Clarkson made a dream debut for Aberdeen but Jim Goodwin admits that just what he expects of someone desperate to play for Liverpool.
The midfielder was thrown into the action after 12 minutes when Hayden Coulson suffered ankle ligament damage.
That was inflicted by a terrible tackle by former Don Declan Gallacher who was yellow-carded.
The former Scotland stopper was sent off for conceding a penalty shortly afterwards with Bojan Miovski’s conversion sparking a comfortable win.
Clarkson gave a sparkling all-round performance climaxed by a stunning 25-yard goal before half time.
The 20-year-old who has a long-term contract with Liverpool was on the Asia leg of their pre-season tour.
He also has experienced the Champions League with the Anfield side and Goodwin is delighted to have secured him on loan.
Goodwin said:“We’ve tried to bring in some quality players who have the courage to play at a stadium like this.
“I’ve been here with St Mirren and know how much of an impact the fans can have if things aren’t going particularly well. You need character.
“If he has ambitions play for Liverpool, then he’s got to come here and play and excel.
“I’m delighted for him. He’s had a great education at Liverpool. He knows how we want to play, hence why he’s here.
“He’s one we’ve had tabs on for six weeks but he’s been training with Liverpool’s first team.
“He was on tour in Asia so it was difficult to get him any earlier.
“We’ve got competition in the midfield now and will hopefully have a fit Connor Barron soon.”
Goodwin explained that it was a race against time just to get Clarkson cleared to make his debut.
He hadn’t even had time for a training session with his new colleagues but wasted no time settling in.
He added:“It was a really quick turnaround from Leighton as he came up the road on Friday night from Liverpool and his mum and dad drove his car up.
“Myself and the director of football and medical team were at Cormack Park until about 10pm getting everything sorted.
“It was only about half 11 this morning that we got the international clearance.
“We would have liked him to have come into the game in different circumstances.
“We’re disappointed for Hayden Coulson who took a nasty one. It doesn’t look great so we need to wait and see what the scans show.”
Goodwin still hopes to make it a round dozen in terms of summer signings but it also means departures before the transfer window closes.