Big Euro clash then Cup Final at Hampden.. I came back to Dons for weeks like this

Leighton relishing great occasions

- SCOTT BURNS

LEIGHTON CLARKSON admits weeks like this are the reason he signed for Aberdeen.

The Dons end their Europa Conference League campaign at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday before taking on Rangers in the Viaplay Cup Final at Hampden on Sunday.

Clarkson was a major player in helping the Dons clinch a European group-stage return and now he has had a taste of that he wants to go one further and lift silverware.

He said: "I like playing at Hampden. It's a really big occasion, big for the fans, the atmosphere is always electric.

"Playing in these games, that's the reason I came back to Aberdeen.

"It's a lot better to win one. Losing is a horrible feeling but when you win it's fantastic and obviously we have the Final to look forward to now."

Before that the focus is on the visit of the Bundesliga giants. The Dons narrowly lost their opening fixture 2-1 in Germany.