Alan Martin can help us to title, says Ayr United boss Reid

Mar 25 2011 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

NEW Ayr keeper Alan Martin has been hailed for getting United’s title bid back on track.

The former Scotland under 21 star has been beaten only once – by a penalty – since being signed last month.

And boss Brian Reid reckons his new number one could be an ace in the pack as the Honest Men try to overhaul Livingston.

He said: “Alan has been tremendous since coming in and obviously has a fair bit of pedigree.

“He’s a young guy with ambitions to play at a higher level, so hopefully this arrangement will work out well for both of us.

“The amazing thing is he’s far from 100 per cent since injuring himself in the first few minutes of his debut at Airdrie.

“He’s not even been training in order to protect the dislocation in his hand.

“We’re delighted to have Alan and would love to offer him something beyond the end of the season, but we’ll see where things stand.”

Martin has seen his career stall since a big move to Leeds failed to yield first team football.

Now the 22-year-old is hoping to help Ayr back to the First Division at the first time of asking.

Reid added: “He’s a brave lad who’s already made a big difference.

“We’ve got him until the end of the season and hopefully things works well for both parties.”