Clarke is the only true British player from the English Premier League in the squad – the only other EPL man chosen, Nathan Rempel, of Peterborough Phantoms, is a dual British-Canadian.

Lightning player coach Nick Poole said he is delighted for Clarke and said his selection to the full squad is long overdue.

However the selection would pose a problem for Lightning if they win through to the final of the play-offs. Clarke would be available for the semi final on April 12 but would have to fly out before the final the next day.

Poole said the club had no say in the matter as it was governed by International Ice Hockey Federation rules, adding that he was glad he did not have to make the decision anyway!

Before that Lightning still have to qualify for the play-off finals weekend with two games against Bracknell Bees which Poole acknowledged would be tough. The home game is on Saturday at 7pm with the away match on Sunday at 6pm.

Meanwhile the club are in talks with the English Ice Hockey Association over Kurt Irvine who was detained by police following an incident with Slough Jets' Nicky Chinn nearly a fortnight ago.

Lightning did not play Irvine last weekend and it is unclear whether he will play against Bracknell.

The team hope to be able to present Breast Cancer Care with a cheque for about £2,000 at Saturday's match. They have been fund raising for the charity during the play-offs.