Darren Mackie can still win Aberdeen contract - Craig Brown

Mackie was given a testimonial in July by Aberdeen

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown insists that Darren Mackie still has the chance to win a new contract.

Brown was responding to a report that the 29-year-old forward was set to leave the Scottish Premier League club.

"That is absolute nonsense," said Brown. "I spoke to Darren the other day and at no time did I say his future at Aberdeen was over, so I don't know where that has come from.

"He is out of contract and - like other players - is playing for a new deal."

Mackie has spent his whole career at Pittodrie, apart from a loan spell with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2004, and was given a testimonial against Villarreal in July.

However, he has not made an appearance for the Dons since a 0-0 draw with Hearts on 28 December, having regularly found himself on the bench in his 14 appearances this season.

Despite that, Brown stated: "At no time did I say he was not getting a new contract.

"Far from it, I have the highest regard for him."