Describing the 21-year-old striker as a little gem who just requires a little polish, Holloway believes he has pulled off a shrewd bit of business in bringing the Irishman to Bloomfield Road.

Clarke was out of contract at Ipswich and set for a move to a lower division club.

But Holloway surprised some by offering the frontman a two-year deal.

His commitment to fitness work during the first week of pre-season training has impressed Holloway, who explained why he feels Clarke has what it takes to be a success.

"He was someone I wanted to work with. He fitted all the criteria of being hardworking, honest and someone that the group would accept, because he never stops trying.

"I believe there is some room for improvement and I believe he can do things that other players we've got can't, so I think that will compliment us rather than take anyone's place.

"What he can do is run very quickly. He is very sharp. He has nice balance and nice feet, and every now and again he does seem to put the ball in the net.

"He hasn't really done that in the Championship yet (Clarke scored four goals in 56 appearances for Ipswich, many as a substitute) but I believe that is because he hasn't really been played at that level too often.

"So I am looking forward to polishing up a little gem, which I think he is."

Clarke also offers Holloway options up front because he can play in a variety of positions.

With the Seasiders planning to have a smaller squad than usual next season, Holloway believes versatility is important.

"He can play anywhere along the front line and that makes him a great acquisition for us," added the boss.

"We are probably going to have a smaller squad than most of the bigwigs, but I believe the quality that we have – and the quality we are trying to bring in – will push forward.

"Looking at it realistically, our task is to improve by 11 goals at least to get in the top nine.

"Everybody in the top nine of the division last season had a plus figure for goal difference. We had minus 11.

"So, if we can score at least five more and keep out six more, we could be ninth.

"Now, that's very simple, but I don't think it is a mountain to climb at all and it is one of the goals we are working towards."