Ayr Utd. vs Queen of South preview - Campbell pushing for Ayr return

Posted Saturday, February 11, 2012 by PA

Central defender Martyn Campbell played for more than an hour in a midweek friendly and could return to Ayr's defence against Queen of the South after nearly four months out with a knee injury.

The Honest Men are looking for a hat-trick of home wins against the Doonhamers this season, but they may have to do so without strikers Gareth Wardlaw and Ross Robertson, who are both facing fitness tests.

Somerset Park boss Brian Reid said: "We had the semi-final a fortnight ago and have another big cup tie against Falkirk on Wednesday night, and this game is just as important.

"Three points would lift us above Queen of the South and while we are only halfway through the season you never like being 10th."

Queen of the South can include loan signing John Potter in their defence for the first time after he missed last weekend's goalless draw with Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup as he was cup-tied.

Full-back Craig Reid is banned and he joins the injured Marc McCusker and Kevin Smith on the sidelines.

Palmerston manager Gus McPherson said: "This will be a tough game as we have been beaten twice at Somerset Park already this season and Ayr showed at Hampden against Kilmarnock that they work incredibly hard for their manager and each other.

"We are on a good run and I do not plan too many changes to my team. We need to match their effort and then look to win the game."