Ayr Utd. vs Hamilton FC preview - Reid targets new faces

Posted Saturday, August 06, 2011 by PA

Ayr boss Brian Reid is hoping to have two new faces in his Somerset Park squad when they start life in the First Division against Hamilton.

He was reluctant to name the duo in case he jinxed the deals, though.

Defender Jonathan Tiffoney is the only doubt for the Honest Men with Reid saying: "I am looking to have a young Scottish Premier League player in on loan and a trialist involved, however negotiations are at a delicate stage."

Whoever turns out is in for a hard shift with Reid adding: "Hamilton will be out to show that they want to bounce straight back to the SPL.

"We have ambitions of our own to stay in this league so we will be working hard to get our season off to a good start."

Hamilton could throw Alex Neil into their XI despite the midfielder having played just 45 minutes of pre-season following injury.

Defender Martin Canning is also available after four months out to leave manager Billy Reid with a full squad of players to choose from.

Reid said: "We have only a sprinkling of experienced players at this club and the rest are promising youngsters. This game is one where we will need experience, so we may have to pitch Alex in as he is massive for us.

"We were in the SPL last season and Ayr were in the Second Division but it is a level playing field now and they will see us as a big scalp."