Broony’s title push in safe hands as Josh Clarke benefits from Schmeichel factor

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The Celtic Star

·5 de marzo de 2025

Broony’s title push in safe hands as Josh Clarke benefits from Schmeichel factor

Josh Clarke believes training alongside Kasper Schmeichel has equipped him for Ayr United’s Scottish Championship title battle…

Josh Clarke of Ayr United Dundee United v Ayr United, Cinch Scottish Championship, Football, Tannadice, Dundee – 20 April 2024 Photo Alan Rennie Shutterstock

The young Celtic goalkeeper has responded to an urgent loan call for the remainder of the season from former Hoops skipper Scott Brown at the Honest Men.

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Clarke, who had a previous stint at Ayr last season, as reported by Daily Record, said: “I’m delighted to come back and get the opportunity for some games. The manager here has been fantastic with me, and I obviously know how well respected he is back at Celtic.

‘Training with the best players in Scotland is a fantastic experience’

“I’ve been part of the first team environment there for the last year and I’m learning every day off the likes of Kasper, Vil [Sinisalo], Scott Bain and the coach Stevie Woods. Training with the best players in Scotland is a fantastic experience for me.”

Clarke became the fifth Ayr goalkeeper to feature in a starting lineup this season, stepping in after an eight-month layoff to shine in their impressive 4-1 victory over relegation-threatened Airdrieonians on Saturday.

Luis Alberto LAZIO Scott Brown Celtic Glasgow in action during the Uefa Europa League Group E soccer match between SS Lazio and Celtic Glasgow, at Olympic Stadium in Rome. Photo Marco Iacobucci/ IPA

Last night, Brown’s side climbed to second in the Scottish Championship table with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Queens Park at Lesser Hampden. Thus, Clarke made his second appearance of the season, and he and his teammates are now only three points off league leaders Falkirk with 10 games of the campaign remaining.

“I hadn’t played since pre-season, which funnily enough was against Ayr at Somerset”

He said: “I hadn’t played since pre-season, which funnily enough was against Ayr at Somerset. But when you train with the best players around, it prepares you really well for what’s ahead of me now.

Hear from Ben Dempsey and Scott Brown following tonight's comeback victory at Hampden Park. #WeAreUnited
– martes, 4 de marzo de 2025

“It’s been instilled in me at Celtic to win games”

“It’s been instilled in me at Celtic to win games and the manager also demands that of the players here at Ayr. I’m aware there’s been some chops and changes with the goalkeepers here this season, but I’ve been well prepared at Celtic to come in and perform.

“I’ll do whatever I can to come in and help the team in their promotion push.”

Best of luck to young Josh Clarke and obviously to his manager Scott Brown.

Conor Spence