Ayr United are looking for a second ‘Fantastic Friday’ in a row when they host Inverness Caledonian Thistle a week after thumping Dundee United 5-0 to keep hold of top spot in the Ladbrokes Championship.
Somerset Park manager Ian McCall was proud of his side’s display against Robbie Neilson’s team at Tannadice, however knows that it does not mean anything against the Highlanders.
McCall said: “It was a fantastic night where every player played at their best. A lot of the attention afterwards focused on Lawrence Shankland who scored four goals, however everyone played at a high level.
“We played well in the first half and I was disappointed that we were only 2-0 up. We knew Dundee United would come out and have a go so there was some concern over holding our lead however the players won the game in terrific style.”
McCall added: “The win, however, was worth just the same points as any other. More was made of it because it was Tannadice, but it will mean nothing against Inverness.
“They had been on a long unbeaten run until last weekend and if they had won a few more games as opposed to drawing them they could be sitting where we are, so this will be a difficult game.”
Shankland’s performance brought heightened speculation of a move to Swansea next month, however McCall insists that the striker will not be affected and added: “Lawrence is getting on with things. Swansea are just one of many clubs having a look.”
Craig Moore returns from a two-game suspension, however Mark Kerr, Jamie Adams and Alan Forrest are all injury doubts.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle are also looking to build on a five-goal winning margin with John Robertson’s side heading south after a 6-1 Scottish Cup replay success over Edinburgh City.
Robertson said: “We had to be professional and we were, especially in the second half. We played with a lot of pace and our front three all scored so it was a good night.”
Robertson is likely to change things for Ayr. The Inverness manager explained: “We have only 12 or 13 experienced outfield players available, so I have to ensure that I get the strongest team on the pitch, so our line-up will be a bit different.”
Nathan Austin could start for Caley after returning as a substitute following a knock in midweek, however Carl Tremarco, Angus Beith and Daniel Mackay all remain out injured.
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