Aberdeen eye up Ayr Utd star Ryan Stevenson

Jan 30 2008 Ayrshire Post

AYR UNITED star Ryan Stevenson says interest from Aberdeen is appealing...but insists he is no hurry to quit.

The Dons, with money to spend after selling Chris Clark and Michael Hart to England, have sent scout John McMaster to watch Stevo in recent weeks.

And reports from the north claim Aberdeen have been in contact with Ayr regarding the 23-year-old midfielder.

Stevenson admits he is aware of the Dons link. He said: “I have heard through my agent that Aberdeen have watched me and liked what they have seen.

“They are a big SPL club and, of course, they appeal. I want to go as far as I can in the game and it’s only a short of space of time in which to make a living.

“However, I’ll leave it up to the clubs and will see what happens. I love playing for Ayr in front of my home town fans and am in no rush to move.”

United managing director Lachlan Cameron slapped down the transfer talk.

He said: “I have heard speculation on both Aberdeen and Kilmarnock but there in no truth in the rumours. They have not spoken to us. Ryan is our player, he is happy here and we want to keep him.”

Stevenson scored his 12th goal of the season in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Queen’s Park. But he now faces a two game ban after being sent off in the dying seconds.

Boss Brian Reid said: “I have no doubt quite a few clubs have been looking at Ryan as goal scoring midfielders are in demand.

“From a football point of view, I want to keep my good players as I am trying to build something here.

“Ryan is still young with ambition and I am sure his time to go full-time will come again but I just hope it’s not now.”

Reid has continued his wheeling and dealing with loan deals for Hamilton striker Paul McLeod and Falkirk defender Mark Staunton.

And he was delighted to tie up 15 goal striker Alex Williams on a new two year deal.

Reid said: “Both the young lads we have signed on loan come highly recommended but had to start on the bench on Saturday because the team is winning and playing well.

“There are now four or five sitting up in the stand who face a fight to reclaim their places. It’s not that long ago we were down to only 15 players and that’s not good for competition. Getting Alex to sign an extended deal is fantastic news for the club. He has shown a great attitude and workrate while his goals have been invaluable.”

Reid is now looking upwards and reckons fourth top Alloa, who are seven points clear with a game more played, are there to be sniped at.

He said: “All of a sudden everything is more positive afterb scoring ten goals and conceding only two in our last three home games.

“We have stopped shipping cheap goals and while it has been unfortunate for Dean Keenan to score two OGs, he just gets his head down and shows a tremendous attitude.

“I have been delighted with the home form which for some reason has been poor over recent seasons.”

Ayr still hope to secure the services of Celtic youth keeper Scott Fox on loan but in the meantime have extended back-up Fraser Stewart’s deal to the end of the season.

Fox was recalled to Parkhead 24 hours before he was due to make his debut against Alloa after an injury to one of other Celtic’s keepers.

Ayr have no game on Saturday as their scheduled opponents are on Scottish Cup duty.