Defensive woe for Ayr as champions come to town

Posted Saturday, April 24, 2010 by PA

Ayr boss Brian Reid has huge defensive problems for the visit of First Division champions Inverness.

Injuries to Kevin James, Andy Aitken, Billy Gibson and Martyn Campbell mean all four central defenders are missing along with full-back Rocky Visconte. Midfielder Ryan Borris is also rated as doubtful.

Reid said: "I am not sure what our centre-back pairing is going to be.

"A few years ago my assistant Scott McKenzie and I could have gone in there and done a job but I will need to come up with something else. We are down to only 14 fit first-team players and that is not ideal when you are facing the champions."

Inverness manager Terry Butcher has no injury worries to contend with ahead of the encounter.

They will however have to make a change in defence with Stuart Golabek ruled out through suspension, although Butcher's options have increased with the return of both Grant Munro and Lee Cox from their respective bans.

Despite already claiming the title, Inverness still have plenty to play for with the Highlanders determined to keep their run of 19-game unbeaten run going.

And their plan is to not only see this season out undefeated but to start life positively next season as an SPL side.

Assistant manager Maurice Malpas said: "The club record is 22 league games undefeated and everyone is now determined that we end the season on 21 and start life in the SPL looking to break that record."