HOTSHOT Ayr United striker Lawrence Shankland became the first player to win back-to-back Ayr Advertiser Starman awards.

Now the target man, who has bagged 33 goals in 38 games, is hoping to help the Honest Men clinch promotion, after they officially qualified for the playoffs at the weekend.

They now face Inverness Caley Thistle in the first round of the end-of-season competition over two legs after the end of the regular season. Shankland, tipped to move on at the end of the season, has enjoyed the campaign but feels there’s a lot more to come.

He said: “It’s always nice to pick up personal awards but all-in-all it’s been a great team effort this season, especially after just being promoted. One of the highlights was putting in a great performance against Dundee United.

“We are in the playoffs and have a chance to go up, we’re in there with a shout and must give it a go.”

United tonight (Tuesday) host Partick Thistle, whom they also face at Firhill on Saturday. Ross Docherty, sent off on Friday is suspended for two games. Lawrence Shankland and Jamie Adams are doubtful, while Craig Moore is out for the season.

Boss Ian McCall said: “It’s a case of getting through the last three games but also starting to think about the playoffs.”

Goalie Ross Doohan needs one more shutout to equal the late Davie Stewart’s record of 21.