Clarke made 75 appearances for his hometown club Lincoln City

Gateshead have signed midfielder Shane Clarke on a month-long deal following his release from League Two side Lincoln City.

Clarke, 23, secured his move to the International Stadium after sending his CV to the club.

He left hometown club Lincoln on transfer deadline day without having another deal lined up.

He told BBC Newcastle: "I sent my CV off to the club because I heard they were looking for players."

He added: "I then got a phonecall from the manager saying to come down and take a look.

"The club seems to have great ambition.

"They're looking to move to a new stadium, they've gone full-time and they're a club on the up.

"I'm happy to play wherever, I played defensively for Lincoln but I like to get box to box."

Former Gateshead goalkeeper Paul Musselwhite, who is currently player-coach with the Imps, was able to provide the Blue Square Bet Premier club with information about Clarke.

"He [Musselwhite] believes Clarke can do a job sitting in midfield," said Gateshead boss Ian Bogie.

"Hopefully a new environment will bring the best out of him.

"We are taking a bit of a gamble but it is one worth taking as we are still looking to bring a couple of players into the club.

"A combative midfielder is one requirement and hopefully Clarke will show he can fill that role. If he does well in his month at the club then we will look to extend the deal."

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