Ayr United set to switch Ramsdens Cup tie to Cappielow

Aug 5 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR UNITED’S Ramsdens Cup tie against Raith is set to be played at Greenock.

With Somerset Park’s new floodlights still not in place, Ayr have been forced to find another venue for Tuesday night’s second round match.

And this week, they were finalising a deal with Morton that would see the tie going ahead at Cappielow.

Now the rush is on to get new lights installed for the League Cup tie at home to Inverness on Wednesday, August 24.

Work is now underway and the first two foundations will be installed on Thursday with the remaining two following next week.

Ayr are confident the job will be completed in time for the visit of the Highlanders.

Meanwhile, United are hoping for a flying start when they kick off the First Division at home to Hamilton on Saturday.

Boss Brian Reid is ready to tap the loan market and watched St Johnstone and St Mirren in a reserve match at Stirling on Tuesday afternoon.

And he is desperate to bring in a couple of bodies to boost his squad for the weekend.

On trial Richie Hart has moved on and is no longer being considered as Reid wanted to see more of him before offering a deal.

Dean Keenan, who missed most of last season with a cruciate injury, is set to be offered a short term deal and then sent out on loan to get match fitness.

Reid said: “It could be that we could put Deano out until January to get himself up to speed. The most important thing is to get him games.

“I am already talking to a couple of clubs but I would like to insert a clause that we could bring him back before then if we need him.

“Bobby Donnelly is also in the samesituation. I know he can be a decent player but I can’t take risks regarding fitness.”

Neil Scally, who left Ayr nine years ago, is still training but not yet ready to stake a claim for a place.

Reid said: “Scally is an honest pro and he will know himself when he is fit. He is still feeling a little pain in his ankle.

“It would be a bonus to get him back as he is the type of player we need.”

Hamilton, newly relegated from the SPL, will give Ayr a tough examination of their First Division aspirations.

Reid said: “I watched them against Huddersfield and while they have lost players from last season they always seem to bring others through.

“There were two divisions between us last season but if we can get a positive result we can take confidence for the rest of theseason.

“We have started quite well and we are certainly capable of winning.”

Jonathan Tiffoney, who missed the 3-0 win over East Stirling, returns from suspension but may have to settle for the bench.

Reid said: “He’s behind in his fitness and is not firing on all cylinders so we have to do some work with him.”

Teenager Gareth Armstrong is set to put pen to paper on a professional contract as a reward for his impressive performances.