FANS CAN HELP US ROCK RAITH
McCall wants Somerset jumping for top- of- table clash
It’s being billed as the game of the season so far — and Ian McCall wants Somerset Park to be rocking.
Full- strength Ayr, now on a seven- game unbeaten run, take on Raith Rovers on Tuesday evening.
And McCall reckons his team, who have edged ahead of Raith on goal difference — albeit with a game more played — couldn’t be in better shape.
He said: “We’re in good form, scoring goals and not conceding many either which is a good contribution.
“We still look back at our home draws against Alloa and Airdrie, along with the away game at Raith, and feel we could have won all three. That would have made it a heck of a start.
“Tuesday is a big game to look forward to but there are still another two against Raith after that so it won’t decide anything.”
The game has been switched from Saturday because Raith have an IRN- BRU Cup tie at Dumbarton.
But McCall reckons the midweek date can work to Ayr’s advantage.
He said: “There is always a great atmospere under the Somerset lights, so let’s have the place rocking.”
McCall also hinted he could be poised to play striking trio Lawrence Shankland, Michael Moffat and Craig Moore from the start.
He said: “We do look like scoring a lot of goals — it’s just when to start with the three.
“I really need to get Craig in the team. Sometimes at the start of games, it’s maybe not ideal but who knows — I could do it against Raith.”
Shankland, with nine goals from eight games, has been named in the SPFL team of the week and McCall is desperate to keep him beyond January. But he doesn’t want to disrupt his rich scoring run by talking too soon.
McCall said: “I wanted to wait until after this run stopped but it doesn’t look like stopping any time soon. We will have a conversation soon.”
McCall and striker Michael Moffat were named Ladbrokes Manager and Player of the Month for October respectively.
The manager’s award has been seen as a jinx in the past but Ayr made no mistake as they crushed Arbroath 4- 1.
Chris Higgins, who missed the game with a knee injury, will be fit to resume against Raith.
Luke McCowan scored a double and Mark McKenzie got one as Ayr U20s beat Stranraer 3- 0 at Cumnock on Monday night.