Stranded Looks like Clarke was made available as the management knew Andy Carroll would likely take his spot on the bench for the Forest game?
And yes, I would have expected Clarke to be on the bench for that game as despite his 2 goals, I don't think he is quite ready for a first team start.
I'd be very surprised if that was the case. Deal for Carroll isn't even over the line and I very much doubt they'll risk breaking him straight away by playing him, even if only off the bench, straight away.