Barnet head coach Martin Allen says loanee Josh Clarke’s start to life at The Hive has come as no surprise to him as his ability became apparent after five minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly against the Bees.

The winger-cum-full-back was snapped up on a three month loan deal after catching the eye in a friendly against Barnet’s Development Team at Griffin Park last month, a game the young Bees won 1-0.

He has been an ever-present in the four games since, scoring from right-back on his debut against York City in a 3-1 win before moving up to play on the right-hand side of midfield in a draw at Hartlepool United.

Clarke followed those displays up by netting in back-to-back victories over Oxford United and Exeter City to take his tally to three in four games.

Indeed, the form of the 20-year-old has seen captain Andy Yiadom revert to right-back and forced summer signing Gavin Hoyte towards the exit with the news he has been made available for transfer.

But Allen insists the former of the Walthamstow-born wideman has come as no surprise to him.

He told Bees Player: “No, I’m not surprised at all [by how well he's done]. When I saw that reserve game at Brentford I knew after five minutes [he could be good for us].

“I don’t think his best position is right-back, I think pushed on one would be better.

“He’s a great player and a great lad; he’s humble, hard-working, gets on well with all the other players and he’s been great for us.”