Leighton Clarkson admits Aberdeen FC giving Eintracht Frankfurt short shrift with Hearts targeted for season kickstart

Leighton Clarkson has insisted Aberdeen haven’t given Eintracht Frankfurt a second thought because their entire focus is on Hearts.

The Dons head to Tynecastle and their playmaker knows today’s capital clash could be pivotal in kicking their Premiership campaign into life. Barry Robson’s side begin their Europa Conference League group stage assault in Germany on Thursday but Clarkson knows they have to get their domestic house in order first. The midfielder stated; “Europe is not in any of our minds, at this moment in time. We know we have a job to do on Saturday.

“Every game is important. We are going there for a positive result. We don’t look any further than the next game and to get points on the board. I enjoy playing there (Tynecastle). I was there at the end of last season and it was a good atmosphere although we lost. We want to go there to get a positive result and go there confident.”

The Reds have only got two points on the board from a possible 12. That is in sharp contrast to the run Robson and his team put together to pip Hearts to third place last season. Clarkson knows with 13 new signings, including his own permanent return, that it was always going to take time for Aberdeen’s new-look side to come good.

Clarkson acknowledged: “We need to start picking up points. You also need time to gel. It is the same for every team and we need to get to know each other. We have a good number of lads from last year and there are a few new boys and we are looking to settle and get the tactical side right. “

"That is just football. We need to start another run and we want to start this Saturday to kickstart our season. It is disappointing to have two points from four games but with the players we have in there, the