Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke says making his grandma smile was the best bit about winning promotion with the Blues.

Clarke, 22, returned to his boyhood club in January after signing from Arsenal for a seven-figure fee, and was a key part of the run which carried the Blues to the Championship.

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It was a dream return for the right-back, whose grandad Terry was on the Blues' books back in the 1950's.

And Clarke, who was seen hugging his brother George on the pitch after promotion was secured, says doing it for his family's club makes it all the more special.  

East Anglian Daily Times: Clarke and Town celebrate promotionClarke and Town celebrate promotion (Image: PA Sport)

"I don’t think we actually spoke - we just cried," Clarke said, talking about seeing his brother after Town were promoted.

"It was emotional when we saw each other because it had been a bit of a rollercoaster.

"When I saw him, the floodgates opened.

"I wish my grandad was here to have seen it, but it was a really special moment. 

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"I saw my nanna as well. She was at the game then she had to leave. I went to see her two days after it and we sat and talked about everything. 

"It’s special. My grandad had his links to the club and he passed away, so to give her something to smile about and to be proud of is what I do it for."

The promotion saw the town come together in Christchurch Park to celebrate the team, before Clarke and a few of his team-mates jetted off to Las Vegas.

East Anglian Daily Times: Harry Clarke was a key part of the promotion chargeHarry Clarke was a key part of the promotion charge (Image: Ross Halls)

"How much can I say about Vegas?" he said. 

"We had a good time in America but I’m looking forward to getting back into it. It was good to all be together. We had an amazing weekend. 

"Obviously, we had the celebrations in Ipswich and they were great too. They were memories to last a lifetime. Promotions don’t come around often so to celebrate it like that was great.  

"It’s been nice to celebrate last season and spend time with the family, but I just can’t wait to get back now. I need to start doing my running again!"