Donald gives Ayr lift
Ayr player/manager Mark Roberts will include Michael Donald in his plans as his side launch the new season at home against relegated Morton.
Donald has recovered from an injury picked up against East Stirling last weekend, but Kevin McKinlay will miss out due to a back problem.
Roberts said: "This is a very exciting game for us to start off with. We had a very solid win last Saturday and I will be looking for us to build on that.
"Morton will bring a good crowd with them and we know that beating them would give our season a terrific lift at a key time."
Morton manager Jim Duffy has added striker Declan McManus on loan from Aberdeen in time but injuries continue to rule out front men Stefan McCluskey (shoulder) and Andrew Barrowman (hamstring).
Faoud Bachirou is also missing from the Greenock side's midfield due to a hamstring problem.
Duffy said: "We have won two tricky cup ties through a lot of endeavour and the players deserve credit for that.
"However we will need to add a bit more to our game to defeat an Ayr side that have strengthened over the summer."
Source: PA
