Linfield boss David Healy gives contract update on "positive influence" Matthew Clarke

Linfield boss David Healy has hailed Matthew Clarke as a “positive influence” after the experienced left-back signed a new contract extension with the club.

Clarke, who has played 309 times for the Blues, has put pen-to-paper on a deal which extends his stay at Windsor Park until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Confirming the new contract, Healy told the Linfield website: “Matthew is highly experienced and a very consistent and popular player at the club.

“He’s also a very positive influence around the club and he knows what it means to play for the club.

“He fully understands the pressures, demands and expectations at Linfield but he’s fully committed to playing his part in delivering further success to the club.

“He fully deserves the award of this extended contract and I know the news will be well received by our supporters.”

Clarke, 28, who has won five league titles and numerous other trophies since joining Linfield from Rangers in 2013, is the latest player to commit his future to the Big Two giants.

Seasoned centre-back Jimmy Callacher signed a new one year extension with the club last week, while striker Ethan Devine also penned an extension until 2025.

Linfield won the league title for a fourth successive season last month.