A HOME game with Barnsley is one of the biggest on Accrington Stanley’s calendar since winning promotion from League Two.

But for Jordan Clark the game takes on even greater significance.

As a child Clark watched the Tykes from the stands and fulfilled a boyhood dream when he graced the Oakwell pitch on his senior debut.

The midfielder had risen through the club’s ranks, earning the title of ‘Most Promising Academy Player’ for the 2009-10 season, signing a scholarship deal that summer and then his first professional within 12 months.

But just over five years, six first team appearances later and a contract extension, Clark made his new home at Accrington Stanley, via loan spells at Chesterfield, Scunthorpe, Hyde and a permanent move to Shrewsbury.

“I’m looking forward to this one,” said Clark, ahead of tomorrow’s game at the Wham Stadium.

“All my friends and family will be there.”

Stanley manager John Coleman knows just how much it means to his influential wide man.

“He spent time there and I think he’ll show them what they’re missing out on,” said Coleman, before correcting himself. “In fact, I know he’ll show them what they’re missing out on,” the Reds boss added emphatically, before describing how Clark had developed under his watching since signing as a free transfer from Shrewsbury in the summer of 2016.

“Unbelievable. He understands the club.

“He’s done brilliantly for us, but we’ve done brilliantly for him as well. It’s a two-way process.

“When he first came we knew he had the ability, consistency was possibly an issue. He’s consistently now very very good. If he could just add finishing to his game he’d probably go a lot higher than us and the league that he’s playing in at the moment.

“That’s something we’re continually working on with him.”

Clark, who hit nine in Stanley’s promotion season, admitted he was annoyed by a couple of chances he missed in the 1-1 draw with Coventry after he’d scored his second goal of the season and first since August in this month’s 2-1 Checkatrade Trophy win over West Brom Under 21s.

And Coleman appreciates his frustration.

“I’ve been there so I know how bad it feels,” said the Stanley boss.

“But you’ve just got to keep putting yourself in a situation where you can be successful and to be fair to him he never shies away.

“He’s a fantastic player and a great character, a great lad.”