RYAN Clarke got a ringing endorsement from his manager last night – with Chris Wilder saying he is fully justifying Oxford United’s decision to sign him.

It raised a few eyebrows when the U’s captured the former Northwich keeper on a three-year deal in the summer, because the previous No 1 keeper, Billy Turley, had been such a mainstay in the team, and had kept no fewer than 36 clean sheets in the previous two seasons.

But Clarke’s showings in recent games have been superb, and he has played a big part in five consecutive clean sheets.

If he and United’s defence can prevent Eastbourne Borough from scoring at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow, they will set a club record of six clean sheets in a row.

Wilder said: “A good defensive unit is the basis of us building any sort of success.

“Supporters like to see lots of goals, but I’m more than interested in us keeping clean sheets and that gives us a great amount of pleasure because it gives us a platform to go and score goals.

“The goalkeeper’s done what he has to do and I’ve got to say his performances have justified us bringing him into the club – and Billy’s attitude too has been excellent.

“People forget about Billy, but the fact that Billy’s in and around the club, and Clarkey knows that, does him the world of good.

“And I think the back four are the same. We kept Kevin Sandwith out, but he’ll come back on Saturday because Steven Kinniburgh is suspended, and Rhys Day is back too in a couple of weeks’ time.

United have two fitness worries ahead of tomorrow’s game, with Adam Murray and Alfie Potter suffering from a virus.

Wilder admitted he had been thinking about playing Potter because Matt Green has had a lot of travelling with England C this week.

But Green played just 45 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Hungary, and that may swing it back in his favour.

United’s manager is likely to see whether Potter is able to return to training today, and how “leggy” Green looks.

“Alfie’s not trained all week and Adam didn’t train on Thursday,” Wilder said.

“Steven’s suspension gives Kevin a chance to start, and maybe there’s an opportunity for Adam Chapman or Alfie to come into the team.

“That’s the reason we’ve brought people in. We feel we’ve got a strong squad so when things like this happen, players comfortably come in and produce performances.”