Leighton Clarkson was quick to turn attention to Wednesday night’s game with St Mirren as he reflected on Saturday’s defeat away to Hearts.

“We came to Tynecastle to win and secure third place, but it didn’t go the way that we wanted. I thought we were defending really well and to get the first goal, I thought that gave us something to hold onto. But they scored a great equaliser, fair play to Ginnelly for putting it in the stanchion, and that got their crowd going again.

“We wanted to start the second half on the front foot but I think they changed their system and that baffled us for a few minutes, and they got their goal then. From there, we were better, but we couldn’t find that goal.

“I don’t think there was too much wrong today and if we can take that kind of performance into Wednesday, it will do us good. Pittodrie is a hard place for any team to come, and with the crowd behind us, I’m sure we’ll be ok. When they’re with us, they make a big difference. We’re going to need every single one of them.

“With Duk, Graeme and Ross to come back, they’re three big players for us and if they come back into the picture for Wednesday, it will only make us stronger. It’s a game we need to win, it’s a cup final for us, we’re all very clear on that, we know what we need to do.”

Reflecting on a season that’s seen him win the Young Player of the Year award at the Club, Clarkson was quick to point out how this loan spell has benefited him.

“I feel like I’ve improved as the season’s gone on and I’m a better player for having had this season here. I think we try to be more aggressive under the manager than previously and that’s helped. I always want the ball and try to make things happen but when I haven’t got it, I know there’s a job to do defensively as well.

“I think I’ve grown as a player and a person up here, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I want us to secure third place now. My only ambition at the moment is getting the club into Europe and then we can worry about the future after that.”