Ayr United old boy Ryan Stevenson heads home for League Cup cracker

Sep 2 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

RYAN STEVENSON says he won’t be able to celebrate if he scores the goal that sends his old team crashing.

But fans’ favourite Stevo jokes he’ll adopt a shoot on sight policy when Hearts visit Ayr in a third round League Cup tie.

United boss Brian Reid reckons he’ll have to ban the former star from the dressing room as the build-up intensifies.

The third round tie will pull a bumper crowd to Somerset Park on Wednesday, September 21 as Ayr look to continue their giant killing tradition.

Stevo, who spent more than three years with United, revealed: “I can’t wait for the game. I had the best years of my life at Ayr – playing for the team you support doesn’t get any better.

“Everyone knows I love the club and I watch them home and away whenever I can.

“Wednesday nights under the Somerset lights are always special and I’ll be warning my team-mates what to expect.

“The boys at Tynecastle saw them beat Hibs last season so they know howdangerous Ayr can be.”

Stevo, 27, is fondly remembered by Ayr fans after scoring the promotion clinching goal at Airdrie two years ago.

He said: “My best mate is the Ayr goalie Kevin Cuthbert and he has already been texting but I’ve told him I will adopt a shoot on sight policy in the game.

“It would be bitter sweet if I scored the winner at the Somerset Road end and I wouldn’t celebrate.

“Obviously, I want Hearts to go through but at the same time I will be sad to see Ayr go out.

“Ayr have a great cup tradition of beating SPL teams but our players will be well warned about what to expect.”

Boss Reid reckons Hearts will be on their toes and won’t be caught cold.

He said: “They will be wary of our recent record of knocking out SPL teams. Stevo comes to a lot of our games but we’ll have to ban him from the ground – we don’t want a spy in the camp.

“We always knew we would get an SPL club as the draw is seeded and Hearts are one of the bigger teams.

“It should be a good night and there is no pressure on us but we’ll be well up for it.

“The players were magnificent in beating Inverness in the last round. It was a great night for everyone and one to savour.”