Semi-Final Fever For Killie And Ayr

Time is running out for Garry Hay to win a top prize with Kilmarnock Kilmarnock and Ayr United know that whoever wins on Saturday in their Scottish League Cup semi-final have a chance of getting hold of some silverware. As far as the fans are concerned, the meeting of the two sides at Hampden could be bigger than the final itself. Garry Hay knows the all-important bragging rights that will result from winning Saturday's Ayrshire derby at Hampden cannot be underestimated either as the rivals prepare to go head-to-head. The defensive midfielder said: "For Kilmarnock and Ayr United fans, this is the final. There is no doubt that's what they are thinking. Obviously if you get to the final, you want to win it, but the biggest thing is getting through this game. The Old Firm are obviously massive and they get 50,000 or 60,000 supporters but this is a massive game for any Kilmarnock player and fan. It's the same for Ayr United. It means the world for both sets of fans." The Killie veteran admits this is now the "last chance saloon" for himself in terms of picking up some silverware as he bids to make it third time lucky in the League Cup. He was on the losing side in finals against Celtic in 2001 and Hibs in 2007, and is hoping for better luck if he has the chance of another crack at the trophy this time. Hay knows time is running out for him to bring down the curtain on his career with a winner's medal. He said: "I've played in a couple of finals and never won any of them. I said the last time it could be the last chance and that was in 2007. So this is definitely the last chance saloon in that regard. I always remember looking back at the first final in 2001 and the older pros in the team were telling us then to try to take it all in. It's so true. You need to take in every minute of these semi-finals and, if you're lucky enough to get there, the finals too. They don't come along that often for teams like us so it's a great occasion and one to savour." Ayr have already overcome SPL teams in the shape of Inverness, Hearts and St Mirren as they made their way to the national stadium, and are now gunning for SPL scalp number four. Manager Brian Reid said: "I certainly don't think they will underestimate us after what we've done so far this season. We'll just have to approach it in the right manner and defend properly and, when our chances do come, we need to make sure we take them. We are a part-time, First Division club, but we have been in this position quite a few times this season. We are getting used to it and it hasn't affected us before so we are looking forward to the game. We will certainly give it a good go."

Source: FOOTYMAD