Dumbarton vs Ayr Utd. preview - Sons wait on McShane

Posted Saturday, April 23, 2011 by PA

Dumbarton are hoping star striker Jon McShane will be fit to face second-placed Ayr.

McShane returned to training on Thursday following a foot injury and should be included in the squad if he suffers no adverse reaction.

Craig McLeish has been ruled out but Ryan McStay and Andy Geggan are both expected to shake off knocks to be involved.

Alan Adamson's side are still not out of things in terms of the relegation play-offs with the Strathclyde Homes Stadium manager saying: "A win almost gets us over the finishing line and that is my target from this game.

"It is good that we are facing a side that have still got something to play for themselves as the players will know that they need to perform from the first minute."

Ayr are without on-loan Partick Thistle winger Stuart Bannigan for the trip.

Bannigan is suspended following his dismissal against Livingston in midweek, while Bobby Donnelly and Dean Keenan are both ruled out as well.

Somerset Park boss Brian Reid wants a win for two reasons

He said: "The last time we were there we lost 3-2 so I am keen to put that right, and also three points makes us almost certain of a play-off place.

"I want us to win all our games between now and the end of the season as I believe getting some momentum behind you is crucial if you qualify for the play-offs.

"We were better in midweek at Livingston when we got beaten than when we drew last Saturday and I want that improved level of performance at Dumbarton."