TIME TO FIGHT FOR THE BADGE

Kerr warns he’s not afraid to make changes

Mark Kerr has challenged his Ayr players to make the jersey their own after warning he won’t hesitate to wield the axe.

The boss took no prisoners in light of United stumbling into the last 16 of the Betfred Cup on Saturday.

Now he wants returning stars to prove it’s a case of competition for places all over the park.

Kerr revealed: “I said what I felt at the time because I wasn’t happy with a lot on Saturday. Stupid mistakes are costing us at the moment and we need to get that out of our game.

“We want to build a bit of momentum but that means playing on the front foot with some confidence.”

Ayr laboured for much of Saturday and needed penalties to see off League Two Stranraer to top Group F.

Kerr said: “It was one of those games where winning at all costs was the most important thing.

“Again we had to make changes with boys out so it wasn’t ideal and trying to get a settled side at the moment is difficult.

“We still have to remember it’s a new team we’re bedding in and things will take time.”

A flood of returning bodies will boost Ayr ahead of this weekend’s Championship visit of Dundee. Aaron Muirhead is back from suspension while Paddy Reading is available after international duty.

Loan duo Cammy Smith and Innes Cameron also come back in after missing Saturday due to being cup tied.

The big spending Dens Park side travel to Somerset knowing they need to kick- start their own campaign after a slow start.

And Kerr said: “They’ve maybe been a bit up and down so far and will come here desperate for the three points.

“But it’s a big game for us as well — as they all are this season — and our boys have a chance to go and put on a performance.”

● Ayr will face a trip to Livingston — and old boys Alan Forrest and Nicky Devlin — in the last 16 of the Betfred Cup.