Signed on a free transfer after rejecting a new contract with Queens Park Rangers, Clarke is tipped to be one of Kevin Blackwell's most important signings at Elland Road.

A tall centre-half with a good footballing brain, he moved from Blackpool in May 2000 to Loftus Road for ?250,000 and had an outstanding first season at the heart of the Rangers defence.

His performances earned him an England under-21 call-up but it was to prove his one and only cap at that level after a horrific cruciate ligament injury in a London derby with Fulham kept him out of the game for nearly ten months.

On his return from injury he fought his way back into contention and last season helped QPR to promotion, depite having successfully battled alcohol addiction.

The move to Elland Road helped him move closer to his family and represented what he believes was too fantastic an opportunity to let slip.

Little known fact: Clarke is a big fan of Terry Pratchet books and was once named Britain's brainiest footballer.