Peter Clarke believes an effective defensive relationship is being developed alongside Manny Monthe and is eager to strengthen this connection in the coming weeks.
The defensive duo have registered three clean sheets in four league appearances this campaign, keeping Mansfield Town, Cambridge United and Scunthorpe United all at bay.
13 years Monthe’s senior, Clarke is aware of how his past experiences can be harnessed to aid the development of his teammate while encouraging further growth.
“We’ve started the season together; we’ve got a good understanding and I think we complement each other quite well. From our point of view, it’s nice to be getting the shutouts, we’re helping each other along and we’re really pleased with where we’re at,” expressed Clarke.
“Throughout the course of my career, I’ve been lucky to play with some really talented defenders- you pick their brains and learn from them. I think it’s the evolution of a footballer: I’m at a different stage of proceedings to Manny but I can guide him and give him information. If I can help Manny with things, he’s got all the natural attributes to be a really good central-defender.
“As defenders, we all love keeping clean sheets. The more regularly we can keep them, the better opportunity it gives us to win games. We really pride ourselves on it, work hard for it but it’s not just the boys at the back and the keeper—it’s a collective thing.”
Of the view that Tranmere are improving as a team week-by-week, the former Everton defender is confident that last Saturday’s victory versus Scunthorpe United can act as a springboard for success.
Clarke conceded that it remains too early in the season to get ‘carried away’, though is fully aware that positive performances translates into only one thing.
He said: “You start a fresh campaign and every club throughout the country is looking to get that first win, and as soon as possible. We felt it should have come, at least, a week sooner but the performances have been building. To go and win the game like we did, we’re delighted.
“If you can keep knocking out positive results, it breeds confidence. I don’t think there are too many players throughout the world who don’t play better when they’re full of confidence. If we can go into the weekend with another positive performance and result, that’s what we’re all after and something else we could build on.
“The league table is still evolving. I think you get a better idea of things when you get ten or twelve games in. We want to be up at the top end of the table but, at the same time, people can get carried away with how things are.”
Get your iFollow match pass to watch the game live by clicking here!