Leighton Clarkson reveals the secret behind Aberdeen FC revival under Peter Leven

Leighton Clarkson says Peter Leven has given Aberdeen a licence to thrill - and himself an order to shoot on sight. The interim manager watched his side make it seven games unbeaten in the Premiership with a 4-0 demolition of Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday.

Clarkson’s clinical execution from 25 yards started the rout that moves the Dons up to seventh spot. And the former Liverpool youngster admits the late run of form is all down to the freedom Leven has given his players after spells under the previous management he admits were “restrictive”.

His goal was only Clarkson’s fourth of the season but his second since Leven replaced Neil Warnock. And he said: “Pete has been telling me to shoot a lot more. I scored some good goals last year and this year it has just not quite clicked. I don’t shoot enough. He told me that before the game and I had an opportunity and put it away.

"Pete has done a brilliant job. It’s so hard to come in after the other managers, it’s probably the worst time to try to pick the lads up. He has given us that platform to go and express ourselves.

“We have really good players in this squad and we showed it against Hibs. Since Pete has been in he has given me the licence to go and express myself. There have been times this season where it has been a bit restrictive.

“He has completely given the confidence back into me. We are on a good run of form and the best we can give the fans is a bit of joy and a bit of excitement going into the new season. We still have two games remaining and we want to win both to finish on a high.”

Leven has steadied the ship after the departures of Barry Robson and Neil Warnock this season and has lost only one of nine league games in charge. But he will revert to first team