Aberdeen striker Laurent D'Jaffo has urged his team-mates to put the managerial uncertainty at the club behind them as they prepare to face Kilmarnock at Pittodrie.

Outgoing boss Ebbe Skovdahl could be presiding over his final game as the club search for a new manager to replace the Dane.

Coventry assistant boss Eric Black and Inverness manager Steve Paterson have been installed as favourites to take over at Pittodrie.

D'Jaffo said: "The players cannot allow any worries over the next manager to affect their game.

"We have to focus on the game against Kilmarnock and our own performances."

But the former Sheffield United forward is now simply glad to be back after two months out with an Achilles injury.

D'Jaffo returned to the side for the first time since October 1 in the draw at Dundee United on Saturday.

Now he is hoping a goal against Killie can boost his fitness levels and confidence.

"I am still a bit away from full fitness after two months out," added D`Jaffo.

"But a goal can lift my confidence completely. Just scoring a goal can give me an extra half-yard in a game.

"It was very frustrating sitting on the sidelines with the injury but I'm really looking forward to getting back into it."

The Dons have been boosted by the news that midfielder Fergus Tiernan has signed an extension to his deal which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2005.

Derek Young will miss out with an ankle injury, although defender Jamie McAllister returns from a two-game suspension.

Meanwhile, Killie boss Jim Jefferies is facing a defensive selection dilemma ahead of the game.

Jefferies said: "Just last week I was saying we could see light at the end of the tunnel where injuries were concerned.

"Craig Dargo and Andy McLaren had both come back but now we are going back to square one.

"Freddie Dindeleux and Chris Innes will both have late fitness tests before the game and Barry McLaughlin is already out."

But the Rugby Park boss is determined to swiftly turn around the defeat at Partick last weekend.

Jefferies said: "I'm pleased this game has come round so quickly because it gives us the chance to bounce back from the defeat at Partick.

"It was a very tight match but we capitulated after the first goal and they went over the top of us and deserved the win.