Ryan O’Leary flattered to be linked with Hibs move

KILMARNOCK defender Ryan O’Leary admits he is flattered to be linked with a move to Hibs as he weighs up his options for next season.

Reports suggest the Edinburgh club are set to make a move for O’Leary, who is out of contract in the summer. O’Leary has an offer on the table to extend his stay at Rugby Park but lack of first-team opportunities recently under boss Kenny Shiels has left a question mark hanging over his future at Kilmarnock. Asked if he would be interested in a switch to Easter Road, O’Leary said: “It’s nice to hear your name linked with a club like Hibs. What was said in the papers was news to me to be honest, so I’m not really clear on that.

“It would be interesting to know what’s going on because I’m finding myself not playing here. I’ll look at my options over the next few months and decide on my future at that point.”

O’Leary stressed he has not yet rejected the contract on offer from his current employers, adding: “I’ve definitely not said no. I’ve been at Kilmarnock for a long time now. It was Kenny who gave me my shot and I’ve wanted to repay him.

“When he’s chosen me, I don’t think I’ve let myself down or the club down or him down. Obviously if I find myself playing, it’s a happier decision to say ‘Yes, I’ll sign that contract.’ But, for now, we will just see what happens.”

Kilmarnock play host to Aberdeen today, with both clubs making a push for a place in the top half of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League this season. O’Leary said: “It will be a tough challenge. There are a lot of teams in the mix looking for that top six position, Aberdeen being one of them.”

Ryan Jack is determined to pick up where he left off for Aberdeen now that he is fully fit again. The midfielder was out of action for four months after suffering a broken foot while on Scotland Under-21 duty.

He was an unused substitute for last week’s win over Dundee and is seeking a quick return to action against Kilmarnock. Jack said: “I’m feeling good. I did a lot of training with the physios and a lot of fitness work so I’ve got my fitness right back up.

“Now I’m back training with the boys so I’m feeling a lot sharper and more ready.

“It was really frustrating. I’d been starting and playing in games so to go away for a friendly match and get hit with the injury wasn’t ideal.

“It’s difficult when you’re not playing. You’re coming in to get treatment and all the boys are training. But I had all my family behind me, as well as the manager and all the lads, so that made it easier coming in every day. They were all there for me and that was good. Now I’m back fit, I just need to concentrate on getting back in the team.”