MAKING A POINT
McCall‘ s not too down at draw
Ian McCall admits a glory 18 months has left Ayr players EXPECTING victory.
The stunning run, which has thrust United into the Championship title race, faltered slightly with a draw at Morton on Saturday.
But the boss said: “We’re now talking about results like that as if they’re a disappointment.
“That tells you everything about how far this group of players has come.”
The goalless draw at Cappielow moves Ayr 10 points clear of fourth- placed Inverness.
And McCall insists there must be a touch of realism as United enter the finishing straight.
He said: “Our first aim this season was always 40 points.
“After that we want to secure a top four spot. Then, and only t h e n , i f we’re still in the mix with five games to go will we start talking titles.
“The players now demand certain levels from themselves and that can only stand us in good stead.”
McCall was able to pack his Cappielow bench with quality as loan signings Nicky Cadden and Calvin Miller had to make do with cameo roles.
But the boss may resist the temptation to go hung- ho for the visit of Dunfermline this week.
He said: “You saw how open we became when we sent on the wingers towards the end on Saturday.
“It’s something I’ll have a think about but we need to keep some kind of shape about us.
“As I expected, the league has tightened right up because you’ve got bigger teams like Partick Thistle, Falkirk and Dunfermline down near the bottom.
“They are now among the toughest games we will face.” Injury crocks Mark Kerr, Andy Geggan and Alan Forrest remain sidelined for the visit of the Pars.
McCall added: “They’re all not far away but have the type of injuries you cannot rush.”