Injured Clark targeting Saints return before end of the season

The flanker injured his shoulder in Northampton’s Heineken Cup defeat to Glasgow in January.

He was forced to undergo an operation on the problem and was warned by the surgeon that he may miss the rest of the campaign.

That ruined his chances of representing England in this year’s Six Nations, as Clark had been named in the original squad for the tournament.

But he is still hoping to play a part in Saints’ bid to claim Premiership glory.

“It’s quite a broad spectrum because the surgeon said that would be the season, but I’m hoping for better than that,” said Clark

“It’s very much as and when I get back training and I’ll see what happens.”

And he added: “It (the recovery process) is going okay. I’m keeping myself fit.

“It’s just rehab and various bits to make sure I get back playing as soon as possible.”

Clark was out on the Lings Primary School playing field on Thursday morning, doing some coaching as part of the Aviva National Schools Programme.

And while he enjoyed passing on some wisdom to the next generation, the 23-year-old admitted he can’t wait to get back to playing for Saints.

“Always frustrated to be injured but you have to be a bit philosophical,” he said. “There’s not a lot I can do about it.

“It’s never a good time to recharge your batteries in the season, but it is what it is.

“It’s an injury and it’s kept me out of the game, but I’ve just got to get back as quick as possible and get back in the side.”