McCluskey starts a Dundee exodus

Kernaghan says his own position has not been discussed

Stuart McCluskey will leave Dundee on Monday as manager Alan Kernaghan promises a summer clear-out, with about 10 first-team players being told to go.

The former St Johnstone and Morton defender, signed by Kernaghan in September, is heading for Australia.

Speculation has surrounded Kernaghan's own position after a disappointing season back in Division One.

But he said: "We plan big changes. Whether it get a chance to do it, I don't know, but I keep on going."

Kernaghan told BBC Sport that any question marks about his own position had been raised during discussions this week about the playing budget for next season.

The former Clyde manager took charge in September after Jim Duffy's sacking following a poor start to the season after the previous season's relegation.

The players have known themselves for some time that they have not been doing themselves justice Dundee boss Alan Kernaghan

Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Kelvin Jack has already been told he will not be given a new contract.

Strikers Tom McManus, Steven Craig and Simon Lynch have also failed to shine, while speculation has also surrounded the future of long-serving midfielder Garry Brady.

Kernaghan inherited much of the squad but admits that even some of his own signings have failed to shine after initially making an impact.

"I think the players have known themselves for some time that they have not been doing themselves justice," he said.

"We are not where we want to be and have to cut the cloth accordingly and that's what will happen in the summer.

"All I've tried to do is ask them to do in the remaining games is sell themselves to other clubs or prove me wrong."

However, Kernaghan praised the young players who have been given their chance in recent weeks.

He has enjoyed seeing the likes young player of the month Bryan Deasley, Scott Robertson, Kevin McDonald, Craig O'Reilly and Scott Murray of coming into the side and developing into players of promise.