Brian Reid urges Ayr United to carry on good form

Dec 11 2009 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Brian Reid urges Ayr United to carry on good form

BRIAN REID is urging Ayr United to carry their new found confidence into Saturday’s trip to leaders Dundee and take another step from the league basement.

And man of the moment Ryan Stevenson, who has scored two winners in the last two games, says Ayr can repeat the rousing show which earned them a 2-2 draw at Somerset in October.

United are now unbeaten in four games and have clean sheets in the last three to go five points clear of basement team Airdrie.

Boss Reid is stepping up his interest in former Hibs striker Tam McManus who is training with the club. He admits he is keen to land him on a short term deal.

And Reid will urge St Johnstone to allow Stephen Reynolds to extend his 28 day loan deal which expires on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, on form Stevo is sounding the battle cry for the trip to Dens. He said: “We gave Dundee a hard game down here when we fought back from 2-0 down. There is no reason why we can’t go there and acquit ourselves well and get a victory.

“If you go on a run, you can shoot yourself up the table. We’re now four games unbeaten so we need to build on that, push away from Airdrie and close the gap on Morton.

“I’m kind of getting back to my old ways with two goals and two wins so long may that continue.”

Reid reveals he has started the process of trying to sign McManus, whose last club is Derry City who have been expelled from the League of Ireland.

He said: “He is an experienced goal scorer and I would like to take him until January but it’s in the hands of FIFA or UEFA because of Derry’s situation.

“I would also like to keep Reynolds. I thought he and Stevenson gave us a physical presence against Dunfermline. It’s hard to believe that Stephen is only 17 but St Johnstone have a number of good boys like him.”

Junior Mendes, who declared himself fit for the bench, played the last four minutes against the Pars and is now chapping at the door for a starting slot against Dundee.

Mark Roberts, who sat out the 1-0 win with an ankle injury, is back in training and in contention. Billy Gibson returns from a one game ban.

Looking back at the victory which ended Dunfermline’s eight game unbeaten run, Reid said: “The workrate was magnificent. We’ve now got to take confidence from this and prove it’s not a one-off.

“Goals breed confidence and get the support right behind you. We’ve a great team spirit, the lads are sticking together and will fight for everything.

“I’m still looking to freshen up the squad in January and am trying everything to get the men I want.”