Brian Reid warns his players about Pars

Oct 9 2009 by Mike Wilson

PARS FOR THE PUSH

AYR boss Brian Reid has warned his team that fallen title favourites Dunfermline are wounded animals who will be gunning to make them pay.

But United know victory at East End Park on Saturday will push them three points clear of the struggling Pars who have lost five of their seven games.

Reid still hopes to bring in three players on short term loan deals to see him through to the January transfer window.

An SPL striker, who is returning from injury, was due to play a bounce game for his team on Tuesday.

The player and his club have agreed the deal and when his fitness is proved, he’ll be on his way to Somerset.

A French Moroccan striker scored two goals and looked sharp when Ayr staged a training match at Dam Park on Monday evening. And a 6ft 2in striker of Croatian descent was due to arrive on Tuesday.

Reid spent his free weekend by heading to England where he took in a Conference game but no business will be done.

He revealed: “Conditions were windy but I wasn’t impressed by the standard of the north conference. It wasn’t a bad trip but it wasn’t worthwhile with a view to signing someone.

“I have got many irons in the fire. There have been a few trialists in but they cost us nothing to have a look. The French Moroccan lad showed great pace and took his two goals well. I’ll look at him further this week.

“I would love to get three players in on short term deals as they would be great additions but I am aware I have to balance the books and may have to let someone go.”

Reid won’t confirm the identity of the loan players on his SPL wish list and refused to comment on speculation that St Johnstone striker Peter MacDonald is one of them.

The 28-year-old former Rangers hit man, who cost Saints £125,000 eight years ago, isbattling back from a hamstring injury and made his comeback against Turriff on Tuesday evening.

The Perth club sent him to a top German doc where he had goat’s blood injected in a bid to cure the problem.

A fully fit Peaso is a proven scorer and given Reid’s close links with Saints boss Derek McInnes he seems a credible candidate.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip, Reid said: “I played for Dunfermline so I am well aware that games at East End Park are never easy. I have not been there for a while so I am looking forward to going back.

“Their home record is usually good so they will be desperate to get back on track. But we know a win for us will push us up the table and that is the incentive.”

Kevin James is rated only 50:50 for the game and is still feeling the achilles problem which caused him to be replaced at half-time during the 1-0 win over Raith.

Andy Aitken, who hasn’t featured since the 2-0 defeat at Queen of the South, played for 45 minutes on Monday evening and could make the bench.

Buses for Dunfermline: Ship Inn leaves at 11.30am, seats from 885766. River Cottage: 11am, seats from 287923.