Ayr down to bare bones

Posted Saturday, August 07, 2010 by PA

Ayr United manager Brian Reid is down to just 10 first team squad members for the visit of Brechin City.

Defender Willie Easton and strikers Marc Roberts and Andy Rodgers are all banned while defender Bobby Donnelly and Scott Taggart are ruled out through injury with.

Reid has been left with no choice but to bring in youth team players to bolster the numbers in his squad.

The only good news is that midfielder Dean Keenan is available after suspension and that youngster Jonathan Tiffoney can play as his punishment for last week's red card at Elgin is restricted to Co-operative Cup duty.

Reid said: "I only have 10 first team players available at the moment and two of them are goalkeepers so it is not an ideal way to begin the league."

Brechin are waiting on the fitness of Callum Booth and Gary Fusco ahead of the trip.

On-loan Hibs full-back Booth and midfielder Fusco are both carrying knocks and will be assessed.

Defender Andy Cook may also miss out because of family commitments, however the creative Charlie King is available again after missing out last weekend.

Brechin travel to Somerset Park boosted by a fine win at Stenhousemuir last weekend and a stirring performance against SPL side Aberdeen in a midweek friendly.

Boss Jim Weir said: "Confidence is high after our last two games and we will travel to Ayr in good spirits.

"I do not know too much about Brian Reid's side, I just know that they will be looking to bounce back to the First Division quickly so we will need to play well to win."