Ayr new boy Jack relishing title heat

JACK RUDDY insists he’s ready for a baptism of fire in Ayr’s top-of-the-table clash with Raith Rovers today.

The Wolves keeper will make his debut in Fife subject to international clearance after signing on loan until the end of the season.

Ayr trail Raith, who have two games in hand, by one point but Scotland Under-21 goalie Ruddy believes he can help his new team leapfrog their title rivals into top spot.

He said: “I’m excited at being able to help Ayr’s attempt to win promotion.

“Ayr and Raith should be in the Championship given their fan base and size so it’s going to be an exciting second half of the season.

“It’ll give everyone at the club a boost to get ahead of them. If we are to win the league we need to put a big marker down by beating our biggest rivals at their place. I can’t wait to get involved.”

Ruddy signed an extension with Championship leaders Wolves until 2020 with the option of a further year last month.

He added: “It was a boost which allows me to buckle down at Ayr and return to my parent club a better and more experienced player.”

Bobby Barr is back training after a groin injury and he believes he’s timed his return to perfection as Raith aim to protect their unbeaten home league record.

He said: “We’ve won all 10 home games – that’s a record we have no intention of allowing to come to an end. It’s a ‘must not lose’ rather than ‘must win’.”