Ayr United face triple blow for double-header

Mar 26 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR UNITED have been handed a triple blow as they prepare for a 72 hour double header against their play-off rivals.

On loan teenage striker Danny McKay faces a month out after being crocked in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Queen of the South.

Willie Easton, on his return from a back injury, has stitches in a foot injury and will be sidelined for a fortnight.

And versatile Dean Keenan misses Saturday’s trip to Raith and Tuesday’s game at Morton after landing a two match ban.

It’s a killer blow for resurgent Ayr who have gone seven games unbeaten and are now one of the country’s form teams.

But they slipped back into the bottom two on Tuesday evening when Morton and Raith drew 1-1.

Boss Brian Reid admitted: “The injuries and suspension couldn’t have come at a worse time just as we were thinking we had turned the corner. However, the good news for Danny is that it isn’t a cruciate injury that at one stage was feared.

“It is damaged cartilage which could mean anything from three to five weeks out. It’s bad news both for the boy and us as he had been playing really well.

“But he’s a young, fit lad so hopefully he can come back in two or three weeks and play his part in the run-in.”

Chris Mitchell, who missed the Queens win with a muscle injury, was due to train on Wednesday evening and should be back for Kirkcaldy.

Giant stopper Kevin James, who hasn’t played since mid January, is now fit and available but lacking match practice.

But on loan Hearts winger Rocky Visconte, who has played only one game, is still getting treatment at Tynecastle. However, Reid hopes he might be available for Cappielow.

Reid wants to sweep the injuries and ban aside and keep Ayr on the march.

He said: “We have a good record at Kirkcaldy and hopefully with a big supportbehind us can keep that going.

“We have ten games left which are all massive but I don’t think anyone will fancy playing us at the moment.

“We have been unfortunate that Morton have been winning as well while it’s most disappointing that we aren’t four points better off after the games at Inverness and Airdrie which we should have won.”

Ayr now face a hectic four games in 12 games that will go a long way to deciding their season.

The potential to climb to seventh lies ahead after matches against Raith (away), Morton (away), Dundee (away) and Raith (home).

Ayr will look to target Scottish Cup semi-finalists Raith who face a horrendous schedule, including four games in the final week.

The Vulcan are running buses to Raith and Morton, leaving at 12 noon and 6pm respectively. Seats from John Grigor (tel: 07903 561025). Ship Inn: Raith 11am, Morton 6pm. Seats from 885766.

lMotherwell boss Craig Brown is a guest on Kicktalk’s new ‘Boots and Pieces’ show, where he joins ex-Ayr player Hugh Burns and the Ayrshire Post’s Stuart Wilson.

Hear the programme which will be online from 7pm on Tuesday at www.kicktalk.co.uk