Fit-again Jon Clarke has scored four tries for Northampton this season

Northampton Saints centre Jon Clarke says it will be a proud achievement to reach 100 appearances for the club after fighting back from injury.

Clarke, 26, has been a regular starter this season after recovering from a string of injuries.

"They keep picking me so I must be doing all right," Clarke told BBC Radio Northampton. "I need to keep going.

"The team is playing well so my game has been going well, too. But I still feel like I've got a lot to learn."

A fractured ankle against Newcastle in 2006 was the first of several injuries that have hampered Clarke's career.

"You always feel a little bit worried, especially at the start," he said. "People will tell you about guys who had to retire from the same injury."

Saints have also been strengthened by the return of Juandre Kruger from suspension, and Santiago Bonorino and Euan Murray from injury.

"Euan is back sooner than expected and looking strong," added Clarke. "Injuries and bans got on top of us, but everyone's come together now and we've got a good squad."

While Clarke is on 97 games for the club, Dylan Hartley is also approaching a century of Saints appearances on 96, while Soane Tonga'uiha has played 93 times and Bruce Reihana is only five games away from 200 appearances.

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