Newcastle legend Clark praises Botman after pulling out of Holland U21 squad | OneFootball

Newcastle legend Lee Clark has been impressed by Sven Botman's commitment to the Toon.

Botman was called up for the Netherlands under-21s friendly clashes with Belgium and Romania, but decided to remain on Tyneside to fight for a starting spot. Manager Erwin van de Looi accepted the defender's call, but expressed his disappointment and hinted he may struggle to regain his spot for his country.

Clark told ChronicleLive: "For one, it shows fantastic loyalty to Newcastle. It tells me the player has got a brilliant attitude and mentality. He's not sulking, he's not playing the blame game or saying it's down to other people.

"I don't think he's been left out of the team for his performances in any way. I think it's the quality of the squad Eddie has brought together. The players who have come in, none of those new signings have been a negative.

"They have all contributed in some way. If you look at Botman's performances, they haven't warranted in any way, shape or form being left out. He's just part of a very strong group of players at the moment, and I think he has reacted in a superb manner.

"It's the pinnacle, all players want to play for their country. But if he sees that he's not going to play for his country unless he plays for his club regularly, and he wants to stay behind and do extra work, that tells me the player has got a brilliant attitude and mentality along with his unquestioned ability.

"They're the right type of characters, and it just reaffirms Eddie is signing the right type of people. He's not just signing good players, he's signing good characters."