Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has cast his eye over Mitch Clark, with the youngster continuing his comeback from injury during the club’s under-23 clash with Stoke City last night.  

Clark is on loan with Port Vale and has made 21 appearances for the League Two club across all competition this season.

However, a hamstring injury has hampered the 19-year-old’s involvement in recent weeks, with Clark only able to make his comeback against Cheltenham last weekend.

With that in mind, Villa let the defender have 45 minutes of their under-23 fixture last night, with Smith in attendance to run the rule over the teenager, according to the Birmingham Mail.

Whilst Clark is at Port Vale on a season-long loan, Smith has the option to recall the player next month, something that could be a possibility.

Smith has a shortage of defenders, with Axel Tuanzebe and James Chester his only recognised centre-back options heading into the New Year.

Clark also has the ability to play in a full-back role.

Currently, Villa are on a seven-match unbeaten run heading into the festive period, as Smith’s side look to put pressure on the Championship’s top-six.

The Verdict  

Smith has a track record of promoting young players and Clark is one he will want to take a close look at.

Clark’s impressing for Port Vale and, even right now, he could add a lot to the current crop of players that Smith has available to him.

Depending on how Clark’s performances are over Christmas, he could be back at Villa in the New Year.

Thoughts? Let us know!