Jim Goodwin insists the sky's the limit for Liverpool starlet Leighton Clarkson after watching his new signing write his name up in lights as Aberdeen dismantled ten man St Mirren.
The Dons boss secured the services of the 20-year-old midfielder by pushing through a loan deal on Saturday morning before throwing him into action as 12th minute substitute for the injured Hayden Coulson. A double for Bojan Miovski and Clarkson wonder strike as well as a late Duk strike did the damage despite Jonah Ayunga's consolation penalty for the Buddies who had Declan Gallagher red carded.
But it was Clarkson who shone on his debut and he was given a glowing report by Goodwin. He said: “If he has ambitions to go and play for the Liverpool first team, then he’s got to come here and play and excel. It was a really quick turnaround from Leighton. He came up the road last night from Liverpool and his mum and dad drove his car up. Myself and the director of football and medical team were at Cormack Park until about 10pm getting everything sorted.
“It was only about half 11 this morning that we got the international clearance. We would have liked him to have come into the game in different circumstances. It was always my intention to give him 30 minutes at the end.
“We’re disappointed for Hayden Coulson who took a nasty one. It doesn’t look great so we need to wait and see what the scans show.
“But Leighton was excellent. People will talk about the goal but I thought his overall performance, he is really confident on the ball and suits the way we want to play. Him and Ramadani complemented each other.
“I’m delighted for him to come in. He’s had a great education at Liverpool. He knows how we want to play, hence why he’s here."
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