Ayr United hold talks with trialists ahead of Ramsdens Cup kick-off

Jul 22 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

BRIAN REID will continue his summer shopping for Saturday’s big kick-off by holding talks withtrialists Richie Hart and Alex Burke.

Keeper Ryan McWilliams has signed a one year deal as back-up to Kevin Cuthbert.

And skipper Mark Roberts, who was again named as a trialist in Ayr’s 3-0 win over Girvan on Monday, has now completedre-signing formalities.

Reid has again signalled his hopes that former favourite Neil Scally will prove his fitness to be offered a deal.

And he says the door is open for star youngsters such as Roddy Paterson, Gareth Armstrong and Cammy Marlow, who all featured at Girvan, to press their claims.

The boss will sit down with formerInverness midfielder Hart and ex-Dunfermline star Burke on Wednesday.

But former Morton man Kevin McKinlay, who played as a trialist against St Mirren, is now off the radar.

Reid said: “Hart has played in our last two games and is getting his fitness up to speed.

“Wee Burke does a good job in the holding role in midfield and I know what he can bring. I’ll be speaking to them both.”

Bobby Donnelly got a run off the bench on Monday while fellow long term crock Dean Keenan played for the under 19s at Hurlford at the weekend.

But finances will dictate whether they are offered short term deals.

Scally, who last played for Ayr nine years ago, is working hard at training after his spell at Queen of the South was blighted by injury.

Reid said: “Scally is a good pro and will work his socks off to get fit. If he does, I would like to offer him something as he would be an asset to the team.

“He works hard and is a dog in midfield where he likes to boss the play.

“He’s probably three or four weeks from being ready but even in training games, I’ve seen what he brings to the team.”

Reid wants to continue Ayr’s good pre-season when they host Queen of the South in the first round of the Ramsdens Cup on Saturday.

He said: “I’ll not hide the fact that the league is my priority but it would be good to get a psychological advantage over Queens.”

It will be a first competitive game in charge for new Queens boss Gus MacPherson. They will also include former Ayr midfielder Scott McLaughlin while Ryan McCann has been on trial.

John Robertson, Gareth Wardlaw andPaterson got the goals as Ayr won well at Girvan with the impressive Michael McGowan setting up two.

Reid said: “It was good to see Robbo and Gareth get their first goals while wee Roddy again scored with his first touch.

“He has a great knack of doing that and is always in the right place at the right time.

“He needs to work on other aspects of his game but there is not many better at putting the ball away and that’s a great trait to have. A striker is always judged on his goals so it’s a good habit.

“Armstrong and Marlow are both only 17 but have also done well. They are listening to everything they are told and I know they can do a job if called on.”