Ayr United line up SPL youngster on loan

Jul 16 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A YOUNG SPL striker is heading to Ayr United on loan and a defender could follow.

Boss Brian Reid revealed on Tuesday that he has agreed a deal with a top flight club for the hit man.

Reid said: “He is only a young boy and not a senior pro but he has good potential. I am also talking to another SPL club about a defender.”

But Ayr could have lost out on two other targets who played as trialists in the 2-1 defeat by Motherwell.

Rushden and Diamonds defender Jamie McGuinness has been invited for training with a full-time English club.

And former Rangers youth left-back Chris Smith, who was at Dumbarton last season, has been offered another deal by the Sons. As he is under 23, compensation would be due in any move.

Ayr are also keeping tabs on former Celtic under 19 winger Phil Johnston who came through Ayr’s open trial game and came on as a sub against ‘Well.

Reid claimed: “He has a wee bit of spark but is short of match fitness so he’ll train hard to get himself up to speed.”

Former Clyde and Queen of the South striker GaryArbuckle is still training and could feature in Wednesday night’s warm-up at home to St Mirren who have signed ex-Ayr pair Gareth Wardlaw and Craig Samson.

On Saturday, Ayr head to Annan who include former Ayr defender Andy Aitken as player/assistant manager.