PROMOTION not speculation is the focus for Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark today as his team take on rivals MK Dons at the Galpharm.

With Town second in League I and Karl Robinson’s Dons fifth, Clark is determined reports linking him to the vacant managerial position at Leeds United will not be a distraction.

If anything, Clark hopes the speculation might prove to be a catalyst for Town.

“Our focus is to win what is a huge game for the club,” said Clark.

“If my name wasn’t being mentioned when it came to other management jobs then maybe I might be under more pressure at Town, because it would mean I wasn’t doing my job here.

“Ultimately my name is being linked with jobs because things are going well and other people can see what we have achieved.

“And that’s not just about results, but also because I have a good record in the transfer market. I can spot a player and I can make money for clubs – the value of the squad here is much higher compared with when I arrived.

“But I am just hoping that it is a similar scenario as to when Jordan Rhodes was the subject of so much speculation – because he just got better and better. Let’s hope the result is the same.

“But it is up to us to keep our eye on the ball. The game against MK Dons is our ‘be all and end all’ right now.”

Clark has huge respect for Robinson and his loan acquisition of former England, Leeds and Manchester United midfielder Alan Smith (from Newcastle until the end of the season).

“It is a terrific signing and I have to say it took me by surprise a little bit,” said Clark.

“Obviously I worked with Alan in my time as a coach at Newcastle and he is not just a top player but a top lad as well.

“He is a great professional and Karl has made a very good signing because Alan will only enhance the way they play and he will boost their aspirations of getting promoted.”