Derby County can 'easily' replace Bobby Clark if he seals £6m Celtic transfer - 'he's lightweight' | OneFootball

The ex-Liverpool star is reportedly set to join the Scottish champions in a £6m deal when the winter transfer window opens

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

There is belief that if loanee Bobby Clark leaves Derby County to join Celtic in January, the 20-year-old could be "easily" replaced by the Rams.

Clark is reportedly set to join the Scottish champions in a £6m deal when the winter transfer window opens, according to Martin Hardy of The Times - although Rams boss John Eustace has said, "It's the first I've heard of it."

The former Liverpool academy graduate has made eight league appearances for Derby this season, starting five matches.

Before temporarily joining the East Midlands outfit this summer, Clark signed a five-year contract at RB Salzburg for around £10m last year, to link up with Jurgen Klopp's former Reds assistant, Pep Lijnders.

So, after featuring in 17 Austrian Bundesliga games for them last campaign, it was revealed by Chronicle Live that he turned down Sunderland and Leeds United to get more game time at Derby.

Bobbly Clark claimed to have been "found out" in the Championship for Derby County

FLW's Derby County Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, believes Clark's "lightweight" frame has been exposed in the Championship since his August arrival.

"Bobby Clark is clearly a technical player, very gifted player, works hard, good off the ball, but he’s lightweight, and he’s been found out quite a bit in the Championship I think," Woodward told FLW.

So far this season the versatile midfielder is yet to contribute to a league goal - although he did find the back of the net against Burnley in the Carabao Cup.

"He needs game time and he needs to get in the gym and build himself up a bit and get used to the physicality of the English game," Woodward continued.

In all fairness, Rams boss John Eustace has played Clark in a number of positions already throughout the season, including central midfield and on the left-wing - so it's fair to say the youngster hasn't had a consistent crack at nailing down one or the other.

In regard to his prospective Celtic move, Woodward claims Clark would be able to play with more freedom than he's had at Derby, but the Bhoys fans would see similarities.

"I mean if he goes to Scotland, it’ll probably be quite similar, I’d say, Woodward said.

"Albeit playing for Celtic he’ll probably be in a team that has a lot more of the ball and he could probably express himself a little bit better."

Derby County told they can "easily" replace Bobby Clark if he completes Celtic transfer

Woodward expressed confidence that Derby could adequately replace Clark without massive disruption to Eustace's squad.

"So, it probably wouldn’t be a bad move for him, but I think he could easily be replaced by somebody," Woodward added.

The Fan Pundit also believes the club could secure a more suitable player for the Championship's physical demands at a fraction of the potential Celtic fee of £6m.

"I think £6m is quite a lot of money. We could get someone on loan or someone for a lot cheaper that could probably come in and do a job - and hit the ground running - someone that’s used to the hustle and bustle of the Championship or Premier League."

"I do think there’s a good player there, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if he did leave," Woodward concluded.

Perhaps Clark's best league performance in a Rams shirt was against Ipswich Town away, where he linked up really well with Rhian Brewster - but that partnership hasn't been in full effect again since the latter's injury.

But in truth, there have not really been many Derby players in the squad that have started strongly this season - and they've accumulated just eight points from nine games, leaving them 20th.

However, even if Eustace has said in his pre-match press conference, "we certainly don't want to lose him," Derby may find themselves searching for a replacement come January.

Although Woodward believes Clark's potential departure wouldn't significantly impact Derby's season on the pitch, you'd have to admit he's been made to constantly swap positions and fans haven't seen him at his best yet.