Brian Reid on spying mission

Oct 2 2009 by Mike Wilson

I’M OFF TO SPY

AYR boss Brian Reid is heading to England this weekend to run the rule over a mystery striker.

Loan terms have been agreed with an SPL hit man who should be available for the next game, away to Dunfermline, a week on Saturday.

And there is a ‘chink of light’ in the move for an SPL striker cum midfielder.

A 19-year-old winger from Wolves played as a trialist as Ayr beat Stranraer 4-2 in a Reserve League Cup tie at Stair Park on Tuesday evening. But the interest will not be pursued.

Reid will use the free weekend, caused by Dundee’s Alba Cup semi-final, to head south on a scouting mission.

He revealed: “I will take in a Conference game and have a look at an experienced English striker who has played at a much higher level. I played against him a few years ago so I know what he can do.

“The problem is he is scoring goals regularly so his club might not want to lose him. While he wouldn’t be available until January, I want to have a look now.”

Reid revealed he had been frustrated in a move for a 6ft 4in Leeds United striker. League rules don’t permit cross border emergency loans.

He added: “I am trying everything to get players in. We were down to only 16 fit players for the Raith game so we need competition for places. Since letting Alex Williams go, we never replaced him with a goal scorer.

“When the long, winter nights come, the depth of squad will be vital and at the moment we have the smallest squad in the division by far.

“The SPL striker I am chasing should be available for the Dunfermline game. He is coming back from injury and playing a bounce game this week.

“It should be an affordable deal for us to get him in for 28 days. There is also more positive news on the midfielder cum striker I want and there is a chink of light.”

Reid admits to frustration that they are idle this Saturday when they would have wanted to build on the 1-0 win over Raith.

He said: “We wanted to keep the momentum going but at least we are going into the break with a win behind us so the training will be more upbeat.

“I thought the scoreline flattered Raith considering we twice hit woodwork. The team at the top is only eight points ahead and the league has really tightened up.”

Ayr have now climbed to seventh. They lead Airdrie by two points and head Dunfermline and Morton on goal difference.

Scorers in Tuesday evening’s reserve win were Kevin Cawley (2), Neil McGowan and Ross Robertson.

River Cottage bus for Dunfermline a week on Saturday leaves at 11am. Seats from 287923.

The postponed game against Dundee has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, October 14.