SUNDERLAND defender Ben Clark believes he is reaping the rewards of taking the courageous decision to quit Manchester United.

Clark, who spent two years at United before leaving when he was 16, is expected to make his England Under-20s debut against their Italian counterparts at the Stadium of Light tomorrow. While many of his former United teammates have been ditched by the Old Trafford club, the 19-year-old from Consett has blossomed since returning to the North-East.

Clark even has high hopes of forcing his way into the Sunderland first-team picture shortly after Howard Wilkinson told him he was part of his plans.

He said: "Leaving Manchester United was the best decision I've ever made in my career; I've never regretted it.

"My career has gone up and up ever since I came to Sunderland. United were a bit upset when I left, but Sunderland have been brilliant since day one.

"Most of the players who were at United with me have been let go. Daniel Nardiello is still there, but he's one of very few who are.

"I used to travel to Manchester every Friday night, play on Saturday and then come back to the North-East. It just wasn't for me. I've always been a Sunderland fan and I thought I'd get a better opportunity here."

Clark idolised Marco Gabbiadini and Gary Bennett when he took his place in Roker Park's Clock Stand as a young child.

And after making just one first-team appearance under Peter Reid - against Luton Town in the Worthington Cup four years ago - he reckons his senior breakthrough might be imminent. Clark said: "The manager saw me play when he was at the FA and he told me I was highly regarded, which is a good boost for my confidence.

"The manager has shown he's got no problem with putting young lads like Kevin Kyle, Michael Proctor and David Bellion in the first team.

"The last time I was in the squad was for the Everton game in August, and I've got to keep doing well for the reserves."

* Tickets bought in advance for tomorrow's game are £3 for adults and £1 for Under-16s and senior citizens. A family ticket (two adults and two children) is £5. For adults paying cash at the turnstile, seats are £5. Turnstiles 1-8 and 17-24 will be open for ticket holders, while those paying at the gate or holding a free entry voucher should use turnstiles 25-33.

A fan at tomorrow's game will win two tickets for England's Euro 2004 qualifier with Turkey in April. The "Lucky Seat" will be announced at half-time.

Read more about Sunderland here.