CIARAN CLARK claims the entire Newcastle United squad are fully supportive of Rafael Benitez’s rotation policy, even if it means they find themselves out of the starting line-up more than they would like.

Benitez, who is still to name an unchanged line-up since taking over on Tyneside towards the end of last season, is set to make a host of changes again tonight as the Magpies host Wolves in the third round of the EFL Cup.

Clark could benefit from those changes, as he found himself out of the side for Saturday’s 2-0 league defeat to Wolves, despite having scored as he started the 6-0 thrashing of QPR just four days earlier.

Missing out at the weekend must have been a frustration for the Irishman, but he accepts the bigger picture must supersede any short-term disappointments.

“I think all the lads have bought into the rotation,” said Clark. “That’s what the manager does, and there’s a lot of competition for places.

“I think we all know that if you haven’t been picked, it’s probably not for the reason you haven’t done well, it’s probably for the reason to get fresh legs in there and keep you fresh for the next game.

“In the long term, that will help us in our bid for promotion. It’s good to have a big squad and to have quality players fighting for spots in the team. Everyone fully understands it.”

Winning promotion is clearly Newcastle’s priority this season, but recent seasons have proved it is possible for lower-league clubs to enjoy success in the League Cup, and Clark sees no reason why the Magpies cannot enjoy a lengthy run in the competition.

Bradford, Cardiff and Birmingham have all made the League Cup final in the last six seasons, and none of those clubs boasted a squad as deep or experienced as the current Newcastle one.

“For the players, supporters and staff, it’s always nice and builds confidence if you can get a good cup run going,” said Clark. “The league’s the bread and butter, but to get a good cup run does lift confidence and morale around the place.

“But we’ve got to make sure we match teams coming here in the league or the cup. If you don’t turn up on the day or work harder than the opposition, then sometimes the quality isn’t enough.”