Ayr United welcome home tie in the Scottish Cup

Dec 4 2009 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR UNITED thought they were destined to face Kilmarnock in the cup for the second year running....but they’re happy with Brechin or Wick Academy.

Only four teams were left in the hat when the draw was made at Hampden on Monday and Ayr and Killie were two of them.

But instead United pulled a home tie against the winners of Saturday’s replay at Glebe Park after Highland League side Wick pulled off a shock 4-4 draw.

Boss Brian Reid admitted: “A lot of clubs look for a big tie for financial reasons but I’m happy that we have got a home draw which gives us a good chance.

“I would imagine Brechin will be strong favourites to win the replay but whoever wins I will have them watched.

“It’s uncanny that after facing Killie last season, we have twice come close to pulling them again.

“It happened in the League Cup when the draw went down to ourselves, Killie, St Mirren and Morton and we pulled Saints.

“But we’re happy with what we have got and I’m hoping to freshen up the squad before the tie on January 9.”

Former Hibs striker Tam McManus, whose last club is Derry City, trained with Ayr on Monday and will be invited back for more.

And a Portugese striker played as a trialist in a bounce game against Rangers at Murray Park on Tuesday.

Reid, who last week ended his interest in Croatian hit man Romeo Filipovic, revealed: “An agent offered me a look at the lad from Portugal and I’m happy to do so as it costs us nothing.

“I’ll continue to look at players in the hope that I can unearth a gem. We have nothing to lose.”

A move for McManus could be fraught with complications as Derry have been expelled from the League of Ireland and their players are currently in limbo.

Reid is desperate to freshen up his striking options. Bryan Prunty and David Gormley are now cup tied after being sent on loan to Stirling and Albion Rovers –- coincidentally the pair clash in the next round.

Mark Roberts, who came off at half-time in the 1-0 cup win at Deveronvale, is rated only 50:50 for Saturday’s visit of Dunfermline, who stretched their unbeaten run to eight games when they beat Queen of the South 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Junior Mendes, who missed the tie with a hamstring strain, did some jogging on Monday but Reid fears Saturday may be too early for him.

Billy Gibson is suspended while Martyn Campbell is back in training after sitting out the last three games. St Johnstone teenager Stephen Reynolds is available to complete his 28 day loan although that could be extended.

Reid says: “Ryan Stevenson did reasonably well up front at Deveronvale while Kevin Cawley was lively when he came on.

“Andy Aitken is an able deputy for Gibson while Kevin James hasadded a lot of experience since his return.”

Looking back at the win at Banff, Reid insisted the result was never in doubt.

He said: “The scoreline flattered Deveronvale and we could have won by three or four but for a super show by their keeper.

“It was frustrating that we weren’t more clinical but Craig Samson had really only one save to make.”

A bus is leaving The Vulcan for the game at Dundee a week on Saturday at 11am. Bookings to John Grigor (tel: 07903 561025).