MOORE THE MERRIER
Hitman back to boost Cup bid as McCall continues his search for new striker
Craig Moore will play his first game for six months on Saturday and try to fire Ayr into the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.
Ian McCall hopes the return of the on- loan Motherwell striker, who has been out since July with concussion, will give United a timely boost against Queen’s Park at home.
But Moore’s comeback won’t halt the manager’s search for another striker as he tries to beef up firepower for the second half of the season.
McCall, who lost out on a FOURTH striker to a full- time club, is this week talking to Partick Thistle about extending Kevin Nisbet’s loan.
And he is hopeful he can strike a deal with Aberdeen to keep Scott McKenna until May.
Ayr are 11 league games without a win but closed to within one point of third bottom Dumbarton after a battling 1- 1 draw at Falkirk last weekend. McCall, who took in an Under- 20 game on Tuesday, warns Queen’s will be no easy ride despite them operating a league below. He said: “I don’t think I have ever managed or played against Queen’s Park, where I spent the first two and half seasons of my career. “I had magnificent times there and a few people I used to know are still on the board, like Jimmy Nicholson. “One thing I know from being there is that you will never get an easy game against Queen’s Park. “They are always hungry and fit while Gus MacPherson will have them well organised.
“It’ll be a tough game but the prize is the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.
“Moore trained on Monday and is obviously rusty but he’s got a decent level of fitness.
“There is every chance that if he comes through this week, I will put him straight into the starting 11.
“He may last 60 or 70 minutes but I think that would be best for him, although I will consult Motherwell.”
Remarkably, Ayr and the Spiders have met only once before in the Scottish Cup — United won 3- 2 at Somerset three years ago with goals from Anthony Marenghi, Alan Lithgow and Craig Malcolm.
Saturday’s gate prices have been cut to £ 12 and £ 6. If the tie finishes level, the replay will be on Tuesday evening.
Ayr are unbeaten in their last nine games against Queen’s and are 7/ 10 to win. The Hampden amateurs are 19/ 5 while McBookie. com make the draw 14/ 5.
The long awaited Ayrshire derby returns to Somerset on Sunday when Ayr take on Kilmarnock in the quarterfinals of the Scottish Youth Cup. Kick- off is 1.30pm. Admission is £ 5 while it’s free for under- 16s.