JOIN USKatich yesterday accused Clarke of playing a role in removing him from the list of Cricket Australia contracts, and said that he would never be able to wear a baggy green again as long as the team is led by the present skipper.
Rubbishing allegations of playing a role in shutting down Katich's career, Clarke said, "Look when Simon wasn't selected I wasn't a selector at the time.
"Since becoming a selector I've made it clear in plenty of press conferences that I've done that the door's certainly not closed on anyone, but in saying that I don't think his comments are certainly helping him get back into this team at the moment."
Clarke-led Australia clinched the three-match ODI series against South Africa 2-1 in Durban yesterday and the skipper said Katich's comments were not good for the team morale.
"The team morale is such an important part of having success and it's been a great thing for the Australian team in both forms of the game of late. I think the team morale is outstanding and we're enjoying seeing a bit of success as well," he said.
Clarke, meanwhile, welcomed the appointment of new full-time selector, John Inverarity, and also paid tribute to much-criticised outgoing chief of selection Andrew Hilditch.
"I'm very excited, (Inverarity's) the ultimate gentlemen, was a fantastic player and is a wonderful guy so I think both Watto (vice-captain Shane Watson) and myself are looking forward to spending a lot of time with him. I think it's a great decision," said Clarke.
"I want to make a special mention to Andrew Hilditch. I think 'digger's' done a fantastic job and he's been a selector for a long time and I hope he's not just remembered for the last 12 months," he added.