AYR United return to action for the first time in two weeks on Saturday, aiming to put a disappointing run of form behind them

But while Paddy Boyle will be going all out for a win at home to Cowdenbeath, fellow defender Martyn Campbell has moved on to pastures new, joining Kilwinning Rangers after being released last week following a successful 11-year spell at Somerset Park.

Former Airdrie and Partick Thistle ace Boyle has had to watch from the sidelines as United followed up a 2-1 home win against Brechin City with a 4-2 defeat at Cowdenbeath and a 1-0 loss away to derby rivals Stranraer.

United, who had no game on Saturday owing to the William Hill Scottish Cup, have lost five of their last six games but Boyle claims injury problems have contributed and said: "We were very lucky for a long time with a settled team. But injuries have been a factor in the past few weeks. I have been struggling with a knee injury and Craig Moore, Ross Docherty, Jamie Adams and Brian Gilmour have also been out. You can cope with that for a while but people have to play out of position and that makes it difficult.. We had been going so well until recently but everybody goes through a bad patch."

Boyle is staying upbeat and told Sportscene: "We have a good squad and Ryan Stevenston has added some quality. Hopefully more players will be brought in. Some people think the title race is over but I wouldn't say so. We are nine points behind Dunfermline with a game in hand..But the pressure is still on Dunfermline as they we can't afford not to go up."

He is relishing the weekend game and said: "We had an easy win against Cowdenbeath at the start of the season but they beat us the other week and have improved. but we must look to win the match. Our aim is promotion and hopefully we can go on another winning run."

Meanwhile Campbell, who was lured to Buffs by manager and former United team-mate Chris Strain Jnr paid tribute to the fans and said: " I have had an amazing time during the last 11 years and it was good to have a testimonial last year. But I started a new job recently and it was difficult to get to training every night. I have no doubt that the current team can achieve promotion this season. My highlights would be the two playoff wins and playing Killie in the League Cup semi=final at Hampden.

"Chris Strain got in touch with me and I decided to take up the opportunity. It's really handy for me as I live in Kilwinning. Hopefully I can help the Buffs achieve promotion. "

Campbell, who made his weekend debut at Kilsyth added: "I would like to thank everyone who has been associated with Ayr and have met some great people along the road."

Manager Ian McCall paid tribute to Campbell and said: "Martyn has been a fantastic servant for the club."

Meanwhile Boyle, Moore, Ross Docherty and Brian Gilmour look set to return from injury for the weekend along with Alan Trouten,who was ill.. Jamie Adams has an outside chance of returning from injury but Gerry McLauchlan misses out through suspension.

The manager hopes to add to the squad and said: "We are thin on the ground and seven guys missed training on Saturday through injury and illness. I would like to add to the squad if funds allow. A defender is a priority and we might also need a midfielder. Cowdenbeath have improved but we are at home and look to take three points."