Afobe decision underlines Town's reputation

The Terriers are handily placed in the League One promotion race and hoping to take another step tonight towards Wembley by beating Tranmere Rovers in a rearranged Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area semi-final.

Clark's side were due to take on the Birkenhead club a week ago only for the tie to be postponed due to the Arctic weather that has caused havoc across the country.

If tonight's game again falls victim to the weather – the pitch inspection is at 10am – it will mean the tie having to be re-arranged for a second time ahead of an already hectic festive period, something that will hardly be ideal for the Huddersfield chief.

However, one development that did please Clark yesterday was

Arsenal's decision to extend the loan spell of striker Benik Afobe until January 8 – something that, following on from similar deals last season with Manchester United for Danny Drinkwater and Liverpool's Nathan Eccleston and Martin Kelly, he believes underlines Huddersfield's blossoming reputation within the game.

Clark said: "When you are dealing with clubs of the stature of

Arsenal, it shows what they think of you. They are sending their young players out to help their development and they will want to be in the right environment.

"To have already forged relationships with three of the biggest clubs in English football – Manchester United, Liverpool and

Arsenal – shows that the word is getting around the football world that we do things in the right way."

Afobe has made a big impact. In five starts and three appearances from the bench, the 17-year-old England Youth international has netted three goals and become a mainstay in Clark's matchday squad of 18.

The Town manager added: "It is easy to forget how young

Benik Afobe is; he was in school this time last year.

"He is a special talent and as part of a youth loan he can be called back by Arsenal at any time to play in their Under-18 team as they progress in the Youth Cup."

Afobe joined the Arsenal Academy at eight and before joining Town on loan had become a regular in the Gunners' reserve side.

Last season, he was an instrumental part of the Premier Academy League-winning side after scoring 20 goals in 25 appearances for a team managed by Steve Bould, netting a hat-trick in the play-off final victory over Nottingham Forest. In May, Afobe helped England to victory in the European Under-17 Championships.

Lee Novak and Tom Clarke are set to make a return from injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Everton next week.

Last six games: Tranmere Rovers WLLWWL, Huddersfield Town WLWLWW.

Referee: R Shoebridge (Derbyshire).

Last time: Tranmere Rovers 0 Huddersfield Town 2; February 23, 2010; League One.