Mark Roberts can help Ayr United to title

Feb 6 2009 by Stuart Wilson

HOTSHOT Mark Roberts can fire Ayr to the title – by helping them grow up.

Boss Brian Reid reckons his new signing can unlock the door to the First Division.

And he wants Roberts, 33, to dish out advice along with goals as United push for promotion.

Reid admitted: “We have a young squad and I felt there needed to be a better balance.

“Even with Mark coming in, we only have three players over 30 so his experience will be vital.

“He can talk to the younger guys and has a great deal of ability, so I’m really pleased to have him.”

Roberts started in Saturday’s draw with Raith, less than 24 hours after switching from Partick Thistle.

And he made an immediate impression, twice going close to a debut goal as United fought back for a point.

Reid said: “Mark will get the benefit of playing regular games and I’m sure we’ll see a lot more from him.

“I took David Gormley to one side before the game and explained why I was playing Mark instead, because in fairness to David he’s been terrific since coming here.

“People forget he’s only 20 and I think he needed a wee break to recharge his batteries, so Mark’s arrival allows him to do that.”

United are still in touch at the top after a dramatic fightback against Rovers, but Ayr’s nightmare start left a bad taste in Reid’s mouth.

He confessed: “We had to mix and match the backline with Martyn Campbell missing but I was very disappointed with the defending.

“To give Raith credit, they put in some great deliveries in the first half and really troubled us.

“But the disappointing thing is we’ve not looked like conceding goals from corners or free kicks so it was surprising and we’ll have to work on it.”

Ayr’s move for Roberts was their last in the transfer window, after Reid failed in attempts to strengthen his defence on deadline day.

However, Paul Weaver ended his time at Somerset after coming to a mutual agreement with the club on a free transfer.

The midfielder has now joined big spending East Stirling in the third division.

Meanwhile, United travel to Alloa this weekend in a game which could be one of the few to survive the weather due to Recreation Park’s plastic pitch.

That may mean a further spell on the sidelines for Campbell, who is now OK after a thigh strain but playing on the synthetic surface is seen as a risk.

Ryan Borris faces a late check on his troublesome ankle which would also face a stern test on the pitch.

Top scorer Bryan Prunty will definitely miss out and is yet to resume training following minor surgery on his groin problem.