ANGRY skipper Nicky Devlin and manager Ian McCall are demanding a much-improved performance from Ayr United tonight (Tuesday) after a poor weekend display.

They are looking to take three points from the home clash with Raith Rovers to set them up for Saturday's mouthwatering William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hibernian at Easter Road.

The Honest Men on Saturday went down 2-0 at home to St Mirren in a Ladbrokes Championship match to leave them five points clear of the basement side, who have a game in hand.

Devlin said: "It was just embarrassing - it was pathetic. St Mirren. We had a team on the park that should have been capable of winning but St Mirren were far better than us.

"It's all down to us. Every game from now is going to be massive but we can't look at other results when we put in performances like that.

"I feel sorry for the fans who paid money to come and watch.

"We can't think about the Hibs game at the moment but the way things are going for us I would rather win against Raith Rovers. We will enjoy Saturday but are focusing on Tuesday.

Robbie Crawford and Ross Docherty are both very doubtful for tonight, although Declan McDaid could return from injury.

McCall said: "We didn't deserve anything from the game. We let our supporters down - they were terrific. There was a great atmosphere in the ground but it's no consolation, we weren't good enough. St Mirren have a good side but we must pick ourselves up and look to win the game on Tuesday. We never got a head of steam up. If we can win on Tuesday t Mirren go to Easter Road on Wednesday and we could go eight points clear again. We haven't lost many games but we have drawn to many and must start winning."

United are unbeaten in the Capital this season, taking four points out of six from Hibees.

McCall is looking forward to the game and said: "It's a huge match for us and a really big day for the fans. It's a great achievement to be in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup, a lot of teams haven't made it. We have done well there but they will know all about us - hopefully we can get a result. We will give it our best shot."