Adam Frizzell has put pen to paper for a new one-year deal at Kilmarnock.
The 21-year-old has struggled to break into the team in a regular basis, having loan spells at Livingston and Queen of the South.
But now he is hoping to kick on after surgery on a foot injury.
He told the club's website: "I’ve stalled this season through injuries but it’s good to get another year and I want to recover and kick on."
The midfielder helped kick start the Killie revival, scoring a wonder goal against Partick Thistle on the day Clarke was announced as manager as well as netting the winner in Clarke’s first official win as Killie boss against Hearts at Murrayfield.
A new man will be in charge at Rugby Park by the time Frizzell returns to action and he admits there will be added motivation of impressing Clarke’s successor.
He added: "The surgery went well and the focus is on my recovery. It’s a bit strange when everyone else is off but there’s nothing I can do apart from get back as soon as possible.
"Of course, I will want to impress [the new manager] but I can’t rush things.
"I just need to make sure it is right but I should be back around the start of the season so it’s good that I’m not missing much football in that respect. I just need to get my fitness back and come back stronger."
