By Doug Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner, June 27^th 2007

Town boss Andy Ritchie has challenged defender Nathan Clarke: "Make the big clubs take notice of you again."

The 23-year-old centre-back's knee injury means Ritchie has yet to see him in action first hand, even in training, but he's well aware of the reputation of the Academy product, who has been now given a clean bill of health.

Clarke, who recently signed a new three-year Town contract, endured a frustrating 2006-07.

He suffered two separate injuries to his right knee, necessitating surgery and restricting him to just 19 appearances.

He has played 185 times in all since making his debut in the 1-1 draw at Stoke in what is now the Championship in September 2001.

"I might not have seen Nathan first hand yet, but I know all about him," said Ritchie. "When I was Barnsley manager, he played against my sides and caught the eye, and before that, I remember him earning rave reviews when he first came onto the scene.

"I know he's had more than his fair share of injury worries over the years, but the medical men and our physio Lee Martin are delighted with the shape he's in now.

"Our pre-season starts on Saturday and Nathan will be fine to join in. I'm sure he'll be desperate to knuckle down and get a really good six weeks under his belt before the start of the season."

Ritchie added: "I know a lot of big clubs were said to be interested in him at one time or another, and his challenge is to make them interested again."He's still a young bloke, and if we have a player the top clubs are talking about, it has to be good."