John Clarke (footballer, born 2004)

John Clarke (born 24 April 2004) is an Irish footballer who plays as a left-back for club Reading.

Club career
Clarke joined Port Vale's youth team from Stockport Town in 2021. On 22 June 2022, Reading signed Clarke to join their under-23 team. After impressing during the 2022–23 pre-season, Clarke made his debut for Reading on 6 August, coming on as a late substitute for Junior Hoilett in their 2–1 victory over Cardiff City at the Madejski Stadium. However, manager Paul Ince confirmed that Clarke missed the rest of the season after sustaining a knee ligament injury in December. He signed a new contract in July 2023. He returned to fitness in December 2023. On 23 May 2024, Reading announced they had extended their contract with Clarke for another season.

International career
Clarke was called up to the Republic of Ireland under-19 team for the first time in August 2022 for a three-day training camp. He made his debut for the U19 team on 24 September 2022, in a 2–0 win over Wales U19 in a 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifier.

Style of play
Clarke is an attacking left-back.