GIVE ME FLAIR

Betfred Cup, Group F, Saturday, kick- off 3pm Ayr boss challenges players over gritty defences

Mark Kerr has urged his players to use Saturday’s Betfred Cup to show off their creative side.

The boss was left frustrated as Ayr drew a blank against a well organised Dunfermline at the weekend.

Now he wants them to cut loose as Ayr bid to make the last 16 by beating Stranraer. Kerr ( left) told the Post : “Teams are setting up against us with a definite plan and we were nullified a bit on Saturday. But we need to find ways of getting round that.

“I was disappointed we didn’t create more with the players we had on the park. But when teams are setting up to make it hard for us, we need to overcome that.”

Ayr know a Betfred win against The Blues would put them in a strong position to qualify as either Group F winners or one of the best placed runners- up. And Kerr said: “It’s a good chance for us to go out and play.

“We like to express ourselves and have the players to go and do that.

“Progressing would be great and we’re at home so we have to go and take control of the game.

“Moving the ball quicker and creating chances is something we didn’t do enough of on Saturday and we’ll need to be at it here.

“Stranraer will come with a plan and try to make it difficult for us just the same as other teams are doing. But that’s where we have to come up with the answers.”

Ayr will go without Paddy Reading, who is on Scotland under 21 duty, and the suspended Aaron Muirhead.

Viljami Sinisalo has been named in the Finland under 21 squad for their game in Malta next Tuesday but does not leave until after the Stranraer tie. Tom Walsh remains a few weeks away from a return.