Ayr United eye up former Falkirk striker Andy Rodgers

Jul 9 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

FORMER Falkirk striker Andy Rodgers is set to become Ayr United’s next signing while a young SPL full-back could join on loan.

Gary Arbuckle, Willie McLachlan andMichael Moffat will feature in a pre-season home double header against Stranraer and Motherwell.

But Ayr have ended their interest in former Celtic and Scotland youth full-back Grant Gallagher who played in a trial game at Belmont Academy on Sunday.

Boss Brian Reid reckons 26-year-old Rodgers, who has been training at Ayr, has a point to prove after spending the first four seasons of his career at Falkirk.

Since then, he has dropped down the leagues with Dumbarton, Montrose and East Stirling but is still a proven finisher.

Reid said: “Andy is a better player than the Third Division. Scott MacKenzie and I know him well from his Falkirk days and we believe he can play at a higher level.

“There is a good chance I will sign him in the next couple of days. He had a good start to his career at Falkirk and coming here would be an opportunity for him.”

Reid is still running the rule over former Queen of the South striker Arbuckle, Clyde full-back McLachlan and on trial Girvan hit man Moffat.

And Kenny Connolly, who was released at the end of last season, is back in training trying to win a new deal.

Mark Roberts is still swithering on a part-time offer after years of being a full-timer.

Reid said: “It’s been an eye opener for Marko to have to contemplate going part-time. We are now trying to help him get something to supplement his income.

“We have made him an offer and I am hopeful he will sign because Marko can do us a good job.”

Reid stepped up his search for fresh faces by taking in an SPL bounce game on Tuesday when the target was a young full-back he hopes to land on loan.

A back-up goalie is still being sought for David Crawford as are a left-back and a left-midfielder.

Academy youngsters Ross Robertson, Jonathon Tiffoney, Aaron Connolly and Roddy Paterson will get the chance to prove themselves in a leaner squad.

The first pre-season action was due on Wednesday evening this week with the visit of Stranraer. Then on Saturday, Ayr will get a tough examination when they take on Motherwell. Craig Brown’s men are anxious for match practice ahead of their Europa League tie against Icelandic club Breidablik on July 15.

Plans for an old crocks game on Saturday and an after match fans’ centenary party have been scrapped.

Lifelong fan and sponsor Willie Houston has joined the United board. A landscape contractor, he owns a business in Cumbernauld.

The club shop is open from noon to 9.30pm on Wednesday, noon to 5pm on Thursday and Friday and 10am to 6pm on Saturday.