Ayr Utd. vs Dundee preview - Host of Honest Men hurt

Ayr host Dundee in the Scottish First Division with their survival hopes seriously hampered by injuries.

Star midfielder Michael McGowan is the latest Somerset Park player to be ruled out after picking up a knee injury in training.

He joins Martyn Campbell, Jamie McKernon and Gareth Wardlaw on the sidelines as the Dark Blues come to town.

Eddie Malone is suspended and manager Brian Reid's resources could be stretched even thinner if defender John Robertson fails a fitness test.

Reid said: "We are at a critical stage of the season and injuries are hurting us but we have to keep on going.

"We will bring in youngsters from our youth academy to fill in any gaps and look for the win that could make us safe from automatic relegation."

Dundee will be without Neil McGregor as they look to secure second place in the table.

The defender is banned after picking up a red card against Partick last weekend, but Kevin McBride is available following his own suspension.

Manager Barry Smith will finalise his starting XI after fitness tests on strikers Graham Bayne and Stevie Milne and winger Nicky Riley. Jamie McCluskey remains sidelined with a knock.

Smith said: "I want a massive improvement on last Saturday's defeat from Partick and the players are well aware of that.

"Ayr have a lot to play for as well but I want us to finish second.

"If you cannot win the league you have to aim for the next best position."