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Ciaran Clark admits Rafa Benitez was a “massive reason” behind why he joined Newcastle United - and has offered a fascinating insight into how the Spaniard works out on the training field.

The Magpies signed the 26-year-old defender from Aston Villa last month as part of Benitez’s radical squad overhaul at St James’ Park.

Republic of Ireland international Clark insists the opportunity to work under a world-class manager like Benitez was one he could not turn down.

And, despite little more than a month on Tyneside so far, Clark believes he has already learned an awful lot from a manager for who attention to detail is key.

During every training session, Clark learns something from the former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss.

“He [Benitez] was a massive reason why I joined,” Clark told The Times.

“That and the other players who have signed.

“I feel like I’m learning already.

“Every time you step on to the training pitch, he tries to improve you as a team and an individual.

“That’s something I haven’t had much of over the last few years.

“He picks up on everything, every little detail.”

Newcastle started the Championship campaign with back-to-back defeats but are currently on a four-match winning run in all competitions.

Not only did the Magpies win away for the first time in eight months when they beat Bristol City 1-0 last month, they then followed that up with an impressive 2-0 victory over fellow promotion-rivals Brighton and Hove Albion.

Clark admits it has been a “brilliant and mad” month at St James’ Park, and stresses the current feel-good factor on Tyneside has taken him by surprise.

“You would never have thought it was a club that has just been relegated,” Clark added.

“It’s been brilliant and mad.

“I think it’s going to take a bit of getting used to and it’ll take a while before we get into a rhythm.”