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Phillips 'surprised' by Sunderland signing Jack Clarke after what he 'can gather'
Kevin Phillips has tipped Jack Clarke to shine for Sunderland in the latter stages of the season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend admitted he was “surprised” that his former club managed to sign the highly-rated 21-year-old.
On Wednesday (26 January), the Black Cats confirmed the arrival of Clarke on loan for the remainder of the season from Tottenham.
The winger made his debut on Saturday in a dismal 6-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers.
Clarke entered the field as a second-half substitute, as did fellow new signing Patrick Roberts.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of Clarke, Phillips said: “I think it could turn out to be a really good signing.
“You can see he has a lot of ability.
“He has been around. He has been here there and everywhere even though he’s still young.
“I think he needs a club where he feels a part of things. Lee Johnson needs to get his arm around him. He needs to make sure he feels like a part of what they are trying to achieve.
“I was surprised that they managed to get hold of him because he has spent his last few seasons in the Championship. I think it will turn out to be a really great signing.
“He’s fully fit from what I can gather. The minutes will have done him well yesterday.
“Towards the end of the season he could be a real good player for Sunderland.”
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