Reid boys look up with confidence

Posted Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by PA

Ayr United manager Brian Reid says his side will play "with nothing to fear" when they take on Partick Thistle.

Ayr have won two and drawn one of their last three games and the Somerset Park manager insists his players are full of confidence.

Reid said: "This is a big, big game, but we are going into it in good form and with nothing to fear."

Defenders Billy Gibson and Kevin James are back in training, but this game comes too soon for them.

On-loan Hearts full-back Rocky Visconte and left-sided midfielder Willie Easton have been ruled out, while a late check is required on Mark Roberts, who damaged his hip during Saturday's game.

Partick will be without Greg Shields and Martyn Corrigan, who are both struggling with hamstring problems.

Paul Paton could return as cover should Corrigan not make it for Thistle, who have have lost five out of their last seven league games.

Experienced defender Ian Maxwell, supporting Firhill boss Ian McCall in the absence of an assistant manager at the club, said: "Ayr are fighting for everything and we will be going all out to get their season going again.

"So it should be a great game. We played well at Palmerston at the weekend, but failed to take our chances and they scored. In this league the first goal is absolutely crucial."