FIGHTING FIT

Boss hails players’lockdown work ethic

Ayr boss Mark Kerr has hailed his troops for returning in top shape after their Covid layoff.

United’s first team squad were back in action on Monday after the enforced break of more than five months.

And Kerr praised the commitment of his stars to staying in condition during lockdown.

He told the Post: “It’s obvious how hard the boys have worked and I was more than happy with what I saw.

“We’re just trying to ease them back in gently but the enthusiasm to get going was there for all to see, which is great.

“Right now our environment is very strange and it will take some getting used to. But the main thing is we’re back and we have a ball out again.”

United were among a host of clubs returning to a restricted form of training this week.

But Kerr said: “Compared to how things looked a couple of weeks ago, it’s a lot more positive.

“It’s a very different form of pre-season over a far longer period, but we’re going to need it that way.

“Taking care of the players and making sure we guard against injuries after such a long time is a big thing.”

United remain six weeks out from their first competitive action in the Betfred Cup, meaning Kerr continues to play a patient hand in the transfer market.

The search for a new number one is likely to take Ayr down south, with the United boss exploring a potential loan deal from England.

However, hopes of a return for Aaron Drinan have potentially been dealt a blow with the Irishman in early-season form for Ipswich.

Drinan scored twice for the

Tractor Boys in a friendly against Colchester before impressing against Tottenham on Saturday.

Kerr said: “We’ll keep a close eye on the situation and see how it develops.

“If he keeps doing well then we’ll focus on other targets.”