Ayr Utd boss throws down gauntlet to rookies

Sep 30 2011 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

MAKE the jerseys your own.

That’s the challenge from Ayr boss Brian Reid to his rookie stars.

Now he insists Ross Robertson and Chris Smith have the chance to form a new look defence.

The pair shone as Ayr shut out Queen of the South in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Somerset.

And Reid insists they’ll keep hold of the shirts as Ayr head for the Highlands this weekend.

The gaffer revealed: “I’ve always believed that if you play well, you keep your jersey.

“So even if John Robertson and Martyn Campbell had been fit, I’m not sure they would be walking back into the team.

“Ross and Chris were solid and played their part in a young defensive unit which I thought played very well.

“Rossco in particular now has a chance to settle down and make a position his own.

“I’ve always felt that he’s a good centre half in the making and Saturday proved that.

“The longer he’s a utility man, the longer he’ll be drifting in and out of the side and he’s at that age where he has to concentrate on one position.”

Robertson and Smith will continue at the back for the trip to Ross County as Ayr look for their third win on the trot.

United hope to have Gareth Wardlaw back from a knee knock, but John Robertson (hamstring) is still rated highly doubtful and Campbell is set for keyhole surgery on his knee.

Reid added: “We have a week off after Saturday’s game so that will give the injured guys time to recover.

“We’re going up there with a bit more confidence now and the key, as I’ve always said, will be consistency.

“I was annoyed by the cheap goals we had gifted in a couple of away games, but it’s been good to get back on track against Hearts and Queen of the South.”