Partick Thistle 2 - 0 Ayr United

McCall aims to keep McGowan quiet

Updated: October 16, 2009, 3:52 PM UK

The Jags go into the clash currently fourth in the First Division table but knowing victory, combined with results elsewhere, could put them within touching distance of top spot should they see off a lowly Ayr side who are yet to taste victory on their travels this season.

But McCall is wary of the threat they will pose and said: "They are a team that may very well be in a false position in the league.

"They have added Ryan McGowan on loan from Hearts to their squad. He is a player that I know a lot about, rate highly and gave thought to trying to bring him here to Firhill.

"For our own part we are nicely placed in terms of player availability. Both Martyn Corrigan and Stephen McKeown returned to action for the reserves on Tuesday night.

"Both players did well and came through the game without any problems and both come into the squad. Our only injury absentee at the moment is Paddy Boyle and we are hopeful he will be back in the fold next week.''

Recent loan signing McGowan is set for his second Ayr start in the space of four days.

The Hearts defender, who can also play in midfield, kickstarted United's comeback against Dundee on Wednesday by finding the net just hours after arriving at the club, and he will be looking for more of the same at Firhill.

Ayr are currently languishing at the wrong end of the table but manager Brian Reid insists if his side could turn their pretty outfield play into goals then they would be in the top half.

He said: "We are not playing enough forward passes and are going across the park too often. We got our goal from more direct passing and that's what we have to do more often.''

Kevin James was ruled out in midweek with an Achilles injury and is touch and go for the weekend, while Andy Aitken still is not 100% due to an ankle knock but could return in a reserve game next week.