Ayr Utd. vs Raith Rovers - McCall targets experienced midfielder ahead of Raith clash

Ayr United manager Ian McCall is hoping to bring in an experienced midfielder ahead of his side's clash with Raith at Somerset Park - their first Championship game since promotion.

Brian Gilmour misses out with an ankle injury and Craig Moore is a doubt following a concussion, but Michael Rose and Alan Forrest are available.

McCall said: "I am hopeful that we will get this deal completed but it's not over the line as yet.

"It would be a really big signing and one that would make what will be a great day for the club even better against a Raith side that we will use as a benchmark."

Raith manager Gary Locke has ruled out Craig Barr with a knee injury and has delayed naming his team as Iain Davidson and Scott Robertson are both struggling with knocks.

Jordan Thomson has joined on loan from Rangers and David Bates has moved in the opposite direction.

Locke said: "We were not at our best in our game with Alloa last weekend and we need to get back to playing as we can.

"Ayr are a big club who will look to start life after promotion in good style so this will be a really tough game if we drop our standards again."