Ayr United make move for SPL defender

Aug 26 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR UNITED are closing in on an experienced SPL defender.

And on-loan teenage midfielder Jamie McKernon could stay until the end of the season.

Boss Brian Reid, who wants at least two players to boost his squad, took in a Rangers youth game at Murray Park on Tuesday as he eyes up more loans.

Martyn Campbell, who was sent off in Saturday’s thrilling draw with Falkirk, can face Inverness in Wednesday night’s League Cup tie under Somerset Park’s new floodlights.

But the towering stopper is banned for the weekend visit of Raith.

Reid wants to bring in the trialist defender for three games and says it is no slight on 17-year-old Gareth Armstrong who was man of the match in the Ramsdens Cup win over Raith.

He said: “Gareth will have his chance but I want to bring in a bit of experience.

“The player I want has played for three SPL clubs but is currently a free agent. He can also play midfield.

“He was offered a contract at his last club but didn’t accept it because of circumstances.

“He has agreed in principle to help us out for three games but nothing is done and dusted yet.”

Reid had also verbally agreed with St Mirren manager Danny Lennon to extend McKernon’s loan beyond January.

Reid said: “Jamie has done well, is enjoying playing and isn’t costing us a great deal of money.

“I feel we need to add a right back cum centre half and a wide man who can play right and left. I am constantly looking about but it isn’t easy.”

Alan Trouten (groin) was ruled out for Wednesday and could still be struggling for Saturday.

Looking back at the 2-2 draw with Falkirk, Reid said: “I have watched Willie Craig’s DVD of the match and the linesman got it right when he chalked off their injury time goal.

“The player was a yard offside but it was the only break we got. I feel Martyn was harshly done by with his two bookings.”

Inverness, struggling at the foot of the SPL with only one point from five games, have fond memories of the last trip to Somerset Park.

They crushed Ayr 7-0 to wrap up promotion, a defeat that Reid dubs his worst day in management.

But the boss is looking forward. He said: “That defeat is history. We are a totally different team now.

“We have a good record up at Inverness and should have had four points instead of two the last season we met them.

“They might have lost Adam Rooney but they still have good players in Richie Foran and Jonny Hayes so we will need to be at our very best.”