HARRY Clarke will return to Arsenal a better player for his time at Oldham Athletic, according to head coach Keith Curle.

The Latics boss has been in regular contact with Gunners officials about the 20-year-old’s progress at Boundary Park, ahead of the final game of his deal at home to Forest Green on Saturday.

Clarke was initially signed by Harry Kewell last October on a season-long loan and went straight into the team for the visit of Carlisle United a few days later.

The defender went on to score his first, and so far only, goal to secure a 2-1 win against Cheltenham Town, who have since won promotion to League Two and could secure the title on Saturday.

And under the guidance of former defender Curle since March, Clarke has gone on to develop his game even more – progressing from a central defender to, more recently, a right wing back role with Curle looking to capitalise on the youngster’s pace and willingness to get forward. And the Latics chief has praised Clarke for not only seizing the opportunity to tackle his first spell away from The Emirates but also the way in which he has developed and shown his versatility and willingness to learn.

“I think Harry Clarke has come in, first loan away from a Premier League club, he’s enjoyed himself and he’s got a good understanding of what’s required, both as an individual and also the level he’s playing at,” said Curle.

“Part of his development upward curve is he needs game time. The pleasing thing is he wanted to go out on loan, he wanted to go and test himself, which is always a pleasing thing to do.

“You do get some players who stay in their fold, stay in their comfort zone, and don’t test themselves and unfortunately then sometimes their careers can pass them by.

“Coming out to, some might say, a lower level their development can be accelerated by having game time.

“He’s got versatility and he’s got a very good personality. He doesn’t get fazed by things, he’s not over critical of himself, but he understands when he’s made mistakes. And good players make less mistakes.”

Clarke has made more than 30 league and cup appearances for Latics, and Curle added: “The important thing for Harry is to finish the season on a high note.

“I like Harry. I’ve been in contact with Arsenal, with Ben Knapper (loan manager) from Arsenal – someone who I’ve been in contact with before when I was at Northampton.

“We took James Olayinka from them and got a play-off appearance out of him so trying to forge links with Premier League clubs is always good.”