Clarke relaxed despite poor record against Reds

Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke is not stressing over recent results against Aberdeen ahead of the visit of the Dons today.

Killie have not beaten the men from the Granite City since a 2-0 win in December 2012.

And despite Clarke rejuvenating the Ayrshire club since taking over as manager in October – he has taken Kilmarnock from bottom of the Premiership to fifth – he too has struggled in the four fixtures between the clubs.

Derek McInnes’ side have won their two league encounters with Aberdeen going through in their Scottish Cup quarter-final meeting on penalties after two draws.

However, Clarke, who revealed that midfielder Rory McKenzie is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, will not take any more satisfaction if they manage to take three points against Aberdeen at Rugby Park.

He said: “I wouldn’t swap the points total in the last 25 games for a couple of victories against Aberdeen.

“It doesn’t matter who you get your points against, it matters that you get your points and we have picked up ours consistently over the last 25 games.

“In the last two cup games we played against Aberdeen there was nothing between the two teams.

“Aberdeen won on penalties and went through to the semis. We were disappointed to go out but you can’t look back.

“If we get the breaks at the right time there is no reason why we can’t beat Aberdeen.”

Killie are four points behind fourth-placed Hibs and seven behind Rangers and Aberdeen but Clarke played down the possibility of a Europa League spot.

He said: “Seven points over five games with really good teams above us is a difficult ask. We want to secure fifth as quickly as possible and if we do it would be a great achievement.”

On McKenzie’s injury, Clarke said: “Rory is out for eight weeks but should be fine for pre-season.

“Jordan Jones and Youssouf Mulumbu are both doubts with tight hamstrings and Gordon Greer (calf ) is out so we haven’t got our troubles to seek this week.”