Clayton is usually deployed at centre-back but, with injury issues affecting the U23s this season, has featured regularly as a holding midfielder for Barry Lewtas' side.
Last Friday, he played a key role after replacing the injured Leighton Clarkson in the young Reds' 3-2 victory at Chelsea.
And ahead of their next fixture - a home clash with Arsenal on Saturday - we caught up with Clayton in the latest edition of LFCTV's Academy Show...
On the win at Chelsea…
I think we've had a tough run recently so it was nice to actually get three points on the board. I think at times our performances haven't really got us what we deserved, and I think we have deserved more wins, but that's just the way football goes at times. I think the lads battled well. In the last 10 minutes of the game we were having to do a low block but Boysie [Morgan Boyes] and Billy [Koumetio] cleared everything for us and Conor Bradley also made a great challenge in the six-yard box for us. It was a team effort, we got the three goals, the three points, so job done.
Watch highlights of Chelsea 2-3 LFC U23s
On hoping to build on beating Chelsea this weekend…
There's been one or two times this season when we've been a bit disappointing with certain aspects of our performances, but I think in the main we have done well. In the games against Tottenham and Everton I feel we deserved the three points in both games but only took one point in the mini-derby. Hopefully we can carry on now against Arsenal.
On his superb strike from distance to beat the Gunners earlier this season…
I still talk about that goal to the lads now! The ball fell to me nicely and it was nice to see it go in, and hopefully we can get another three points on Saturday.
LFCTV GO: Watch Clayton's superb Arsenal strike
On his versatility…
I've had a few chats with Barry about this and he mentioned he thought I can play in a number of positions for him, including in midfield. I've played at centre-back, left-back, central midfield and even right-back. I'm enjoying it. I am enjoying playing in different positions and having different exposure.
On playing holding midfield…
I would say I am definitely a different type of No.6 to people like Leighton Clarkson, for example. I've got that defensive mindset from playing centre-back but I've had a few chats with Barry and Gary O'Neil, who obviously played in midfield all through his career. Each game is different but I've got a good understanding of the game and what's required of me. I do enjoy sitting in front of the back four and you also get that bit of freedom. I'm enjoying it. It's different to playing centre-back because you have got more freedom obviously to break the line of the opposition when they are going forward. I definitely feel I can do the job and I'd like to thank Barry for having the trust in me to do it.
On why being versatile could be valuable as he seeks to catch the eye of the first-team coaches…
That's the aim. There's always a lot of people watching our games and you are just trying to make an impression on them, whether that's centre-back, left-back, right-back or in midfield. I'm just trying to show I have a good understanding of the game and can play well in a number of positions. That's just what I try to do wherever Barry asks me to play at the weekend.
On seeing the likes of Curtis Jones, Neco Williams, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams enjoying first-team opportunities…
It's fantastic to see the way our manager and his staff give the young players an opportunity. They do trust the young players so it's just about trying to earn that trust and then when you do get that chance, taking it. Without the injuries they might not have got as much game time, but I think centre-half is not usually an opportunity you get and I think Nat and Rhys have both done really well. They have both come through a lot of challenges and playing against different opponents and I think they have shown they can handle it and they are good enough to play at that level. We are all made up for them here at the Academy and we hope it continues.
On eyes being on the Academy players on a daily basis…
Obviously, being at the AXA Training Centre the first-team staff have the opportunity to watch our training and the games. We know the manager and his coaching staff are interested in us and keeping an eye on us. It's just about keep doing what you are doing and whenever the opportunity comes, whenever that may be, you've just got to take it. The facilities are world-class and it's got everything that you need, whether that's nutrition, gym, physio - it's got everything you need so it's perfect. I love it so it's just great to be here.
On his leadership qualities and helping his younger teammates...
I think it's massively important and I try to lead as best as I can on and off the pitch. The U23s are a young team this year and we have a lot of first and second-year lads. Trying to lead by example is something Barry has wanted from me more. I can speak on the pitch but I think I can still do it more. But, we have got a lot of young and inexperienced lads so I just try to be a leader, if you like, and try to use my voice.
On having the mental strength to come through his injury issues and getting regular game time this season...
I think it definitely makes you a stronger person coping with injuries. It's tough being injured, the days are longer, you don't get that buzz on a matchday and nothing can recreate that buzz you do get. When you are watching the lads play when you are injured it is tough, and it does make you mentally stronger. You might not realise it at the time but I think it does make you that bit more resilient. That character-building comes through and hopefully it's showing on the pitch now. I just want to try to get as many minutes as I can, impress and see where it takes me.