Leighton Clarkson knows a big factor in Aberdeen’s blistering start to the season is that they don’t have European football to distract them.
The midfielder admitted he and his Dons teammates struggled last season to cope with the added burden of European group stage football and the domestic scene. The Aberdeen squad – which have won all 12 games under Jimmy Thelin – are desperate to get back there but Clarkson knows a clear run this term has given them the advantage over Scotland’s European representatives.
Hearts make the trip to Pittodrie on Sunday and will do it directly coming back from a trip to Azerbaijan to take on Dinamo Minsk in the Europa Conference League. Clarkson admitted: “Europe is where you want to be but at times teams in the Scottish league can struggle at times with the demands. You get to Europe and you maybe don’t deal with the bread and butter of the league.
“I think in my three seasons here the teams who have finished third and gone into the group stages have struggled a bit. Every team needs to strive to do well in both but it can be difficult.
“We play Hearts and they are away in Azerbaijan, which is a long trip. We aren’t in Europe so that gives us a little advantage going into the game, not having to fly eight hours there and back. Yes, Europe is difficult but that is what we are striving for.”
Clarkson had European experience before with Liverpool but he didn’t have to worry about coming back into the Premier League action. That was an eye-opener last season when he was one of Barry Robson’s key men.
Aberdeen took on BK Hacken in the Europa League play-off and then Eintracht Frankfurt, HJK and PAOK in the group stages of the Conference. Aberdeen won plenty of plaudits but struggled in the league as Hearts raced away in third place and manager Robson paid the price. Hearts are now in a similar position with Stevie Naismith being fired with the Tynecastle side bottom of the league.
He explained: “I had done bits and bobs with Liverpool in the Champions League. That is the Wednesday and we were then playing in the Premier League on the Saturday. I was never playing on the Saturday.
“I was still doing everything but I wasn’t playing on the Saturday. It was still tough. It does take a bit of a toll on you.
“You do have to go into games with a different mind set and a different way of playing. We have built our squad now and if players can’t play then others can come in and fill their positions nicely. We will be striving for Europe and hopefully next season we can do it.”
Aberdeen are already a massive 16 points clear of Hearts and a home win this weekend would put the Edinburgh side out of sight. Duk has returned to the first-team squad for last weekend’s win over Dundee.
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.
Clarkson saw him in his prime two seasons ago and believes he can become a major player for Thelin’s side. The former Anfield youngster said: He has been looking sharp in training and as fit as ever.
“We all know the quality Duk does have when he is on form. It will take him but up to speed.
“Now he is back in the squad, he is another threat and one the Scottish league knows as well. He is a nightmare to play against and he scores goals. Hopefully, we can get him back and firing as quickly as we can.”