PRAYER POWER McCall admits Shankland’s red card appeal is now in the lap of the Gods
Ayr boss Ian McCall admits he is praying to football’s Gods to save top gun Lawrence Shankland.
United will bid to overturn the 29- goal striker’s straight red against Stranraer at a Thursday appeal.
Shankland, who walked for an elbow on former Ayr centre half Morgyn Neill, will miss Ayr’s final two games if the ban is upheld.
McCall said: “What Lawrence did was reckless rather than violent.
“There was certainly no malicious intent and we will make our case as strongly as we can.
“But it’s in the lap of the Gods and all we can do now is hope.”
Whistler Euan Anderson – who apologised to Ayr after a blunder cost them points earlier this season – made the big call at Somerset on Saturday.
And he will be asked to look again at his decision to send Shankland packing after just 32 minutes.
McCall said: “Earlier in the season, he awarded a penalty against us which ultimately cost us two points against Alloa.
“But to be fair, he was big enough to call me later and say he got it wrong. I’m hoping when he sees this one again he will have a change of heart because, for me, it was no worse than a yellow.”
Defeat against Stranraer has blown the League One flag race wide open with Ayr’s lead over Raith cut to just two points.
And with United not in action until Sunday before the BBC Alba cameras at Alloa, they could start the match in second place.
McCall said: “We go to Alloa knowing what we have to do.
“We’re taking a massive support, there will be a great atmosphere, and these are exactly the type of games you want to be involved in.”
Michael Moffat is set to return from a spell on the bench, while Jamie Adams is likely to continue his run on plastic pitches.
McCall added: “Michael would have been coming back regardless of the situation with Lawrence.
“He’s been buzzing in training and can play a big part for us here.”
Craig Reid is doubtful after limping off early on Saturday, but hopes are high that Andy Geggan will make it.
Loan keeper Jack Ruddy has returned south to Wolves for treatment on a knee knock.
● Nine supporters’ buses, run by the United Travel Club, will leave Somerset bound for Alloa at 1pm on Sunday.