Rose to the challenge I’m here to play every week, says new boy

New boy Michael Rose wants to play every week after becoming Ayr United’s second new face of the summer.

The 20- year- old came through the youth ranks at Pittodrie and made only one first- team appearance.

But Rose hopes his switch to Somerset Park after Ayr fought off interest from Hamilton, Dunfermline and St Mirren, will mean regular tastes of the Championship.

Rose, who followed Stranraer’s Paul Cairney through the door, revealed: “I have spent my whole career at Aberdeen and what I need now is to be playing football every week. That’s what I will be aiming for now.

“The Championship is going to be competitive this season. However, we have some good players and will be competitive.

“I watched the play- off final and saw the crowd that Ayr had on the day so I know the potential here.”

Manager Ian McCall used his close links with Dons boss Derek McInnes to cut the deal.

And Ayr No2 John Henry added: “Ian and I know well Derek and his assistant Tony Docherty — and I think they have swayed him.

“Along with his age he has a bit of potential, so he will be a good signing for us.”

McCall said: “I’m delighted to get this deal done as Michael was wanted by several other clubs.

“He is a highly- rated central defender who is a big presence in both boxes. I know it was a tough decision by Aberdeen to let him go and it could have gone either way.

“What he needs now is game time to really show his potential.”

Rose, made his Premiership debut in a 3- 0 defeat by St Johnstone. Before that, he had a short loan spell at Forfar.

But with first - team competition at Pittodrie so fierce, McInnes has opted to cut him free.

With only 14 signed senior

players, and a dearth of strikers, Ayr’s squad is still well short for the big kickoff at home to Hamilton on July 16.

But Henry is adamant there is no panic. He admitted: “Last season, we had more in at this time and while it is good to get players in as early as possible, we want the right ones.”

Absent from the first two sessions was midfielder Ross Docherty, who has an ear infection.

Meanwhile, fans are set to spruce up Somerset Park from Friday to Monday this weekend.

Volunteers are needed to paint barriers, the front of the stand, turnstile gates and exits and clear weeds from the ash track and north terracing.

The drive is led by superfan Mark Pettigrew, who has asked people to email him at pettigrm@ aol. com

Managing director Lewis Grant said: The work done by our volunteers is important in getting the stadium in shape for the coming season.

“We hugely appreciate the efforts of everyone who has helped already and could give us a short amount of their time. We will have an event once the season starts to show our appreciation to those who gave their time.”

The volunteers will meet at 10am each day.