Arsenal defender is perfect fit for Ross County, says manager Malky Mackay
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NEW loan signing Harry Clarke will be a perfect fit for Ross County, according to manager Malky Mackay.
The Arsenal defender has arrived at the Global Energy Stadium on a season-long loan deal as Mackay attempts to bolster his squad with the Premiership season under way.
Clarke (20) is expected to make his debut against Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday and slot into defence.
Mackay says Clarke’s arrival will be a boost to the Ross County backline, and also hopes his time in Dingwall will develop him as a player too.
“Harry is a player that I have tracked and watched for some time having seen a lot of youth football during my time with the Scottish FA.
”He is a player with talent and ability, but more so he has a tremendous attitude, and one that I think is a perfect fit for our club.
“I would also like to thank Arsenal for giving us this opportunity to further develop Harry, and the way in which the loan deal was conducted over the last few weeks.”
The England youth internationalist, joins Ross County on the back of an impressive loan spell with Oldham Athletic last season.
He also played a part in Mikel Arteta’s pre-season schedule for The Gunners – which saw them face both Hibernian and Rangers last month, where he put in impressive performances.
Clarke joined the prestigious Arsenal youth academy in 2015, has played at both centre-back and right full-back for a number of years, and Mackay hopes he will strengthen County’s defensive options for the 2021/22 Premiership campaign.
Fellow new signing, Austrian midfielder David Cancola is also expected to feature in the squad against Hibernian on Sunday.
He was unavailable for last week’s match against St Johnstone after he joined the club on a free transfer from Czech outfit Slovan Liberec.
Mackay is also confident Cancola can make a big contribution to the first team.
“David is a player we have been tracking for some time, both before and after his trial period here last January,” said Mackay.
“He has played extensively in the Austrian and Czech leagues, and also in the Europa League. “The club has worked really hard to bring David to Dingwall, as currently signing European players is an extensive process.”
“We are delighted to sign David, as he brings a wealth of experience to the playing squad, and we look forward to getting him started at Ross County.”
Mackay said after the 0-0 draw against St Johnstone last weekend he was looking at bringing in three signings this week to boost his squad before the end of the transfer window.
Among the new signings to have arrived at Ross County this season include midfielder Alexander Robertson on loan from Manchester City, defender Jake Vokins from Southampton, striker Dominic Samuel from Gillingham and Ross Callachan from Hamilton.
