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Rafa Benitez has hailed Ciaran Clark as a “very good professional” after watching the Republic of Ireland defender cement his place in his first team.

The Spaniard swooped for Clark’s services last summer when he activated a release clause in his contract with the 27-year-old quitting Aston Villa in favour of a big move north.

Benitez also revealed he’d always been a fan of the London-born Ireland international.

With Clark now forming a solid partnership in the heart of Benitez’s defence, the Newcastle boss said today “I liked him when he was at Aston Villa.

“I’ve had confirmation of what I was expecting now. He is a very good professional, he works hard and he is keen to learn.

“He is a very good team-mate. There are a lot of positives when you talk about him.

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“He knows like everybody else here that when there is competition it is difficult. You have to stay on your toes if you want to stay in there.”

Both ex-Anderlecht man Chancel Mbemba and Scotland international Grant Hanley are pushing Clark hard for a place in the centre of the back four with Toon skipper Jamaal Lascelles now a regular in the first XI.