Pascali sidelined for Killie
Kilmarnock will be without skipper Manuel Pascali for their Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Aberdeen after he was ruled out for the rest of the season.
The captain will go under the knife next week to cure a hamstring problem and faces months on the sidelines.
Momo Sissoko is doubtful with a virus, while Jeroen Tesselaar looks set to miss out with a hand injury.
Kilmarnock defender Ryan O'Leary admits he is flattered to be linked with a move to Hibernian 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 topic.
"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."
Aberdeen will be without Isaac Osbourne after he was ruled out for at least six weeks.
The midfielder faces a lengthy lay-off after suffering a hamstring tear during last week's win over Dundee.
The Dons are boosted by the return of Mark Reynolds from suspension for the visit to Rugby Park.
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 this weekend
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."
He added: "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. But you just need to get on with it.
"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."
Source: PA
