Sky Bet League One: Coventry City defender Jordan Clarke confident club is on the up

Jordan Clarke has just about seen it all during his time at Coventry City, but believes the club is now back on the up after some difficult times.

Hometown boy Clarke has been with the club since he was just eight and at the age of 22, he is one of the longest-serving players in the current squad.

Clarke, who represented England at both Under-19 and Under-20 level, has made over 140 first-team appearances since making his debut in August 2009.

The talented defender felt the emotions of the club's return to the Ricoh Arena last month more than most as it meant his mum could see him in action after opting not to watch Coventry play during their 16-month exile in Northampton.

Over 27,000 fans packed into the Ricoh Arena to mark their return to their home ground last month against Gillingham after a turbulent period which has seen the club go to the brink before coming out of administration

Clarke is keen to build on the feel-good factor back at the club by helping them try and move back up the leagues with the Sky Blues last enjoying life in the Premier League back in 2001.

"I have been at Coventry since I was eight and it has played a big part in my family's life so it was really good to be back at Coventry and the Ricoh Arena, not only for the fans, but also for the players and everyone connected with the club," Clarke told Sky Sports.

"Some members of my family did not go to watch when we played in Northampton and it was tough times for a lot of people.

"It was great to come from 1,000 fans watching you to 27,000 [against Gillingham]. It was the best atmosphere I have ever played in and the fact we won made it special and it was even more special as my mum was there to watch it again."

Confident

Coventry currently find themselves in 15th spot in League One, five points off the top six, but Clarke is confident they will be fighting for promotion this season.

"We want to finish as high as possible and the play-offs are probably the minimum we should be looking for," added Clarke.

"We had a good start to the season, but the last few weeks have been up and down and we need to be more consistent and try to get results if we want to be up there challenging."

We want to finish as high as possible and the play-offs are probably the minimum we should be looking for.

Despite being only 22, Clarke finds himself as one of the most experienced players in Steven Pressley's side and the right-back admits he enjoys the responsibility of helping the younger players in the squad.

"I feel like I am one of the most experienced people in the squad and I am looked upon that way by the squad and the coaches as the squad is so young," continued Clarke.

"I don't feel any more pressure because of that. I prefer it that way and I feel the more experience you have it can only improve you as a player which I feel I have done over the last few years."

Ambitious

Clarke admits he wants to play at the highest level he can and ideally with his hometown club.

"I want to play at the highest level I can and I wish it could be with Coventry," noted Clarke.

"I am ambitious like any player and want to play against the best players and I really hope I am able to help the manager and the team achieve the ultimate goal of promotion.

"I will try my best to get to as high as I can and I am focused on doing my best at Coventry and helping the club in anyway I can."