Town’s experience will be key in play-offs – Clark

The Terriers lost to Millwall in last season’s play-off semi-finals but have bounced back in style this season by finishing third in the table.

Brighton and Southampton have won the race for the top two spots and sixth-placed Bournemouth, who are all but guaranteed to provide Town’s semi-final opposition, will be seeking to complete a unique South Coast treble.

Over the last 12 months, Clark has conducted major surgery on his side – with only six players who figured against Millwall last season involved in the 18-man squad for last weekend’s away victory at Brighton.

Assessing the changes, Clark said: “I am absolutely sure we are better equipped. We have more experience, more know how, and more of a physical aspect than last season. We are also aware that the best players need to show on the day.”

Although unbeaten in 24 games and the only unbeaten side in the Football League in 2011, Town’s hopes of finishing second in the table were effectively ended on Monday afternoon as Southampton won 3-1 at Plymouth Argyle.

There are still only three points between the clubs, with one game to play, but Southampton’s goal difference is 17 superior – meaning Town need a footballing miracle to close the gap.

Clark, who was on the training ground with his players on Monday afternoon, has shrugged off that disappointment and says it does not change his approach to Saturday’s final league game against Brentford.

“I was not disappointed, but I was disappointed for everyone else who has been magnificent at the club this season,” he said. “We have got 86 points and we want to finish the season on 89. Our approach to the Brentford game will not change. We want to win it and we want to keep up our good form.

“We are feeling very positive about things and looking forward to the challenge,” he added. “Hopefully, we have still got four big games to play including three big Cup ties.”

Teenage striker Jake Charles has been called up by the Welsh Under-17 squad for forthcoming friendlies against Sweden.

Charles, 14, is the grandson of former Leeds United, Juventus and Wales legend John Charles who died seven years ago. Despite his tender age, he has already been capped by Wales at Under-16 level and this is his first call-up at Under-17 level. He recently made his debut for Town’s Under-18 side as a second-half substitute against Middlesbrough.