More Tractor Boys could come driving up the Ayrshire coast
Brett McGavin reckons he won’t be the last Tractor Boy to become an Honest Man as Ayr United look to cement old links.
The club that gave Ipswich Town legend, George Burley, his first step into management unveiled their latest Portman Road recruit on Friday night.
Loan midfielder McGavin followed in the footsteps of Aaron Drinan and Corrie Ndaba when he stepped off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to leaders, Hearts.
The 21-year-old has started six games for Paul Lambert’s men this season – four of them in League One – and is tipped for a big future with the Blues.
Powerful defender Ndaba, also 21, played his third game at left-back, and survived early penalty shouts when he tangled with match-winner Liam Boyce in the box.
Boss Mark Kerr is hoping his transfer window double can make the same impression that former Irish Under-21 striker Drinan did in his Somerset Park loan spell last season.
McGavin replaced Joe Chalmers with 11 minutes to go, and the youngster saw much to be pleased with.
He said: “It was tough for both teams and conditions didn’t help. But there are positives we can take.
“Late on in games when it is only 1-0, there is always a chance for the losing side but unfortunately it didn’t go our way.
“My move to Ayr all came about through Aaron, who came here last year on loan, and had nothing but positive things to say about the club.
“Corrie arrived last month, so a decent relationship has been formed between the two clubs, and I don’t think I will be the last.
“Long may it continue. It’s good for young players to come here and get men’s football, which is tough.
“I came up to Ayr with Aaron last year and trained for a couple of days.
“At that time, manager Mark Kerr said there wasn’t really much room for midfielders, but he would definitely keep an eye on me.
“They signed Aaron, who I’m good friends with and have known for years.
“He said it was a good club with good people, and a good philosophy. So I took the challenge on, and wanted to try it for myself.”
McGavin reckoned there wasn’t much between the teams especially in the first half when he thought Ayr were on top.
On Boyce’s much-debated penalty, he claimed: “It’s my understanding that if the ball hits your thigh before it hits your hand, it’s not hand ball.
“But I’m not a referee. It’s controversial but that’s part of the game, it happens and sometimes they don’t go your way.”