Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Don’t drop your guard says Ray
DUNDEE United manager Ray McKinnon is aware of the threat Gary Harkins brings to the Ayr team as they get ready to face the Honest Men on Saturday.
The United manager has had Ian McCall’s side watched several times and has seen Harkins’ quality first hand in their recent Scottish Cup victory against Brechin City.
And he has warned his men they can’t afford to drop t heir guard when former Dundee playmaker Harkins is on the ball.
“We’ve had them watched several times and I watched them at Brechin,” said the United gaffer.
“Gary was having a quiet game but he still set up their goal and another few chances for them.
“He has that quality. He can pick a pass out to the correct player at the right time.
“He is a clever footballer and someone we have to be wary of.
“He’s one we have to keep an eye on as he is a very good player.”
Although Ray highlighted the danger of Harkins, he knows the Somerset Park outfit have many other players that could pose a risk to the Tangerines’ recent run of good form.
Ayr, promoted through the play-offs last season, have started the league campaign well and the United boss expects a difficult encounter when they travel down the west coast.
But Ray will be looking for his men to extend their 11-game unbeaten run.
“They are a good side with the likes of Alan Forrest and Paul Cairney, who was at Hibs before.
“I’m not sure how they will set up but they are a decent side when they’re on song.
“It’s a tough game for us but, hopefully, we can keep the momentum going and the belief.”