EXPECT FIREWORKS
McCall predicts a cracker as Ayr chase double over Hibs
Ian McCall says Ayr will have a ring of confidence about them as they prepare for a Guy Fawkes cracker against Hibs on Saturday.
An expected 3500 crowd will have Somerset Park buzzing with United trying to repeat their stunning victory at Easter Road back in September.
Wily boss McCall, who hints at a return for Alan Forrest, says his men are ready for a battle.
He said: “Hibs are top of the league on merit and I would expect them and Dundee United to be right up there challenging for the title.
“But we are going into the game with an awful lot of confidence and are really looking forward to it.
“Hibs will bring a big support and I hope we do as well because we worked our socks off last season to earn games like this.
“Hibs know it is another tough game for them that they’ve got to win.
“But outwith our first game against Raith Rovers, we have been pretty strong at home. We look very strong defensively and look as if we can score.
“We are in good form so this has the makings of a good game.
“I think Forrest has got a chance to come back into the team but we were very unfortunate not to get at least a draw against Morton last weekend.
“There is no respite in this league. In League One, there were games you felt comfortable you would win but every game in the Championship is a challenge.
“But it just shows you how far we have come.”
Ayr are the only team to have beaten Hibs in the league and that 2- 1 win signalled a slide in the capital men’s fortunes.
But they got back on song last weekend with a 2- 0 win over St Mirren when top scorer Jason Cummings was surprisingly benched.
His place went to Martin Boyle who grabbed his chance with a goal and man of the match display to underline the depth of the squad at Neil Lennon’s disposal.
The former Celtic boss will have his team fired up to avenge that Ayr defeat and, with only a three point lead over fast chasing Dundee United, knows there is no room for slip- ups.
Ayr 20s take on Inverness in the third round of the Scottish Youth Cup at Somerset on Sunday ( kickoff 1.30pm).
They are back in action on Tuesday against Queen of the South at Palmerston ( 7.30pm kick- off).