Young Irish rookie Martin Clarke has continued his meteoric rise to prominence, earning elevation to the Collingwood senior list.

The placement of John Anthony on the long-term injury list has opened the door for 19-year-old Clarke, who has been extremely impressive after settling in Australia last September.

His ability to pick up the skills of the game so quickly and have an impact with the club’s VFL affiliate Williamstown to this point in 2007 has given the club great hope that he has a bright future in the AFL.

Collingwood’s national recruiting manager Derek Hine spoke to collingwoodfc.com.au on Tuesday about Clarke’s development.

“Knowing the character and commitment of Marty it’s really not surprising,” said Hine.

“While his development has obviously been rapid, he displays all traits necessary to make it at the elite level, and it’s really quite exciting that we have him at Collingwood.”

Clarke, who stands at 184 centimetres, was a special guest on Magpie Radio’s The Squawk show on Tuesday morning, and modestly spoke about his first season in the system.

“It’s all been going really quick since I came over at the end of September just after the grand final. Everyone around the club’s helped me settle in. The pre-season was long, I just couldn’t wait to get out there for Williamstown.

“Luckily it’s going ok. I’m still looking for a position, I’m just working hard and hopefully I’ll get out there soon for the Magpies.”

Collingwood assistant coach and Williamstown senior coach Brad Gotch told collingwoodfc.com.au last week that he has been amazed by Clarke’s rapid development after the Irishman produced another excellent game in round seven of the VFL.

“Marty’s progress is quite amazing. I had him on the half-forward flank, changing on-ball, and he kicked 1.1 and had 16 disposals. He did a great snap shot out of a pack for a goal inside our forward fifty. He probably set up another two or three goals, I’m pretty happy with the way he’s going,” explained Gotch.

In round six of the VFL Clarke racked up 24 touches playing for Williamstown as a ruck rover/half forward, and earlier in the season bagged five goals playing for Williamstown reserves.

Clarke had a taste of AFL football when he lined up for the Magpies in a practice match against the Swans at North Sydney Oval in February, and amazed all with a polished display in that game across half back, the first time he had ever been a part of a competitive game of Australian rules football.