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We asked Aston Villa fans if Ciaran Clark was any good so you don’t have to

By Russell Hughes

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Memphis Depay of Manchester United is challenged by Ciaran Clark of Aston Villa during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 16, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Memphis Depay of Manchester United is challenged by Ciaran Clark of Aston Villa during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 16, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United have completed the signing of Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark.

The BBC reported that the Magpies paid £5m to secure to services of the Republic of Ireland defender from their Championship rivals.

“Ciaran is a very versatile player,” the website reported that Toon manager Rafa Benitez said. “As a left-footed centre-back, he can also play left-back and as a defensive midfielder.”

Clark is unlikely to slot straight into the team, and as one of four central defenders will probably be used as a back up or rotational option.

Fans of United will not have paid that much attention to the 26-year-old’s season with Villa, and will be scrambling to find out more information.

Luckily for you, we’ve done some of the leg work so that you don’t have to. Opinion of the Birmingham club’s fans is largely split, actually.

Some of them love his commitment to the cause, but could never be sure the international footballer would get through 90 minutes without making a mistake.

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Other feel that his inconsistency does hold him back, but his versatility is an added bonus for any side.

A change of scenery may do Clark good, as could working with a manager like Benitez. Playing at the poisonous Villa Park won’t have done the player’s confidence any good, either.

“He’s not got any better in the time he’s been at Villa, maybe a change will do him good. Expect a few head in hands moment,” said one Twitter user.

While another commented: “Always get a mistake in him. Hasn’t got a brain and makes rash decisions. Defo not PL quality.”

Next: 17 Football League youngsters Toon should sign

Have a look through the full list of tweets and replies below to get a full flavour of what some Villa fans think of the player.