Portsmouth defender previously linked with Watford, Brighton, and Bristol City told he can go to the very topÂ

That is the glowing verdict of team-mate Lee Brown, who regards the centre-back as one of the best defenders in League One. 

Prized-asset Clarke has continued his hurtling progress this season under Kenny Jackett.  

He's missed just 45 minutes of the Blues' 18 matches to date, scoring three goals. 

Clarke's cultured defending and marauding drives forward have prompted the likes of Watford, Brighton and Bristol City to monitor his progress in the past. 

Brown was aware of the 21-year-old's talent before moving to Fratton Park from Bristol Rovers in June. 

Since his arrival, the left-back has been further impressed by Clarke, after training with him on a daily basis. 

The Barham-born talent '“ whose Pompey contract expires in June 2020 '“ looks destined to play in the Championship, at least, during his career. 

But Brown believes the former Ipswich man has the attributes to reach the Premier League.

He said: '˜I think Matt is one of the best centre-halves in the league.

'˜From my time in the league, he's one of the best and he's going to have a fantastic career.

'˜When I was at Bristol Rovers, I knew he was a good centre-half.

'˜But I didn't actually know just how good he was until I arrived and seen him in training every day.

'˜He's a strong boy but it's not just that.

'˜His mentality and his attitude is one of the best I've ever come across.

'˜That will certainly take him a long way.

'˜He's still only 21 '“ that's crazy, isn't it!

'˜I think he can go to the top. I think most people who come to the game on a Saturday will think that as well.

'˜I'm no different to those. With his attitude he can go all the way to the top '“ hopefully with us.'

Clarke's equaliser in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Burton was his third goal this term '“ equalling his tally for the entire 2017-18 campaign.

What's more impressive, though, is he's yet to pick up yellow card. 

Brown quipped he didn't want to wax lyrical about Clarke too much with the January transfer window looming. 

But the charismatic left-back certainly feels bigger things await the former Ipswich man. 

'˜I don't want to big him up too much because we don't want to sell him,' added Brown.

'˜But he's a good player and a good lad '“ good luck to him.'