Clarke pours cold water on Gers talk

Steve Clarke has reiterated his commitment to Kilmarnock following reports he was approached by Rangers.

It was claimed Ibrox officials turned their attention to new managerial target Steven Gerrard after receiving a knock-back from Clarke.

But the Rugby Park boss, who has faced a constant cycle of speculation linking him to the likes of Gers and the Scotland job since taking over at Killie back in October, insists his focus has never shifted from his current position.

Speaking ahead of today’s trip to Hibernian, he said: “There was no offer. For me, it’s not really a story. I’m happy here at Kilmarnock and I look forward to next season.

“I don’t really think I should be standing here “I’m happy here at Kilmarnock and look forward to next season” talking about Rangers because it’s not my club. Kilmarnock is the club I’m working for.”

Meanwhile, Hibernian’s Neil Lennon believes Scottish football is benefiting from a particularly high standard of manager.

Lennon has been named on the four-man shortlist to become the Professional Footballers’ Association Scotland manager of the year along with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, Clarke and Jack Ross, who led St Mirren to the Championship title.

The former Celtic and Bolton boss also feels Motherwell’s Stephen Robinson, David Hopkin, of Livingston, and Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes were among those worthy of acclaim.

“There’s no question the quality of the league has been dictated by the calibre of manager now working in Scotland and it can only be good for the game,” he said.