McCarthy is ready for a big finish
Roy Hodgson expects James McCarthy to finish a troubled season on a high for Crystal Palace.
The former Hamilton and Everton midfielder has battled a series of injuries as well as dealing with the death of his father.
He came off the bench in the 2-1 win at Brighton in midweek and could face Fulham today.
Boss Hodgson said: “He’s been unfortunate because he’s picked up injuries at the wrong time and also had personal problems which he’s had to deal with.
“The good thing is he’s fit now and ready to go. The times when he has been fit and played, he has shown what a quality player he is.
“With a third of the season still remaining I am expecting big things from him.”
Ayr ...................... 0 Arbroath............ 1 Mark Kerr warned his Ayr flops he is ready to pull on his boots again to arrest their slide.
The Somerset Park side have plunged into a relegation dogfight after just one win in 10 games.
Now it could be time for player-boss Kerr to solve their soft centre.
He said: “Arbroath beating us at home is unacceptable and I take responsibility for that.
“The position in the league looks horrendous and we need to have more about ourselves.
“I could go in there and do it myself. I’ve tried not to and that’s my one regret – I should have played myself more.”
Ayr were forced to draft in St Mirren third-choice keeper Peter Urminsky on an emergency loan just
hours before kick-off after an injury to regular No.1 Viljami Sinisalo.
But they began on the front foot and should have been in front after some good early pressure.
Arbroath keeper Derek Gaston pulled off a great double save to deny Tom Walsh and Dario Zanatta.
Canadian Zanatta then headed Ayr’s best chance straight at Gaston before the keeper clawed his clever backheeler off the line.
After the break Zanatta saw his shot tipped over before Dale Hilson flashed a header just wide at the other end.
Arbroath grabbed the winner when Michael McKenna fired an 18yarder into the top corner
Gayfield assistant boss Ian Campbel l said: “I thought we just about deserved the win and can only tip my hat to our players for the work they’re putting in.
“We have the momentum but we will have to keep working very hard.”