A SICKENING injury blow has been dealt Ayr United ahead of this weekend's Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Cup tie against Wrexham in Wales.

Key midfielder Andy Murdoch is set to miss the rest of the season after being injured in the weekend clash with Partick Thistle at Firhill Stadium.

Manager Ian McCall said: “Unfortunately this morning we have received really bad news after Andy Murdoch has been for his scan. Andy has torn his Anterior Cruciate Ligament with a couple of other implications in and around the knee. This means he could be out for around nine months and he will be seeing the specialist tomorrow.

"Of course he will be a huge miss, of his type of player is he the best in the league. It is extremely tough for him and I’ve told him to keep his head up and focus on his return."

Craig McGuffie has a slight thigh strain and will be out for at least a couple of weeks. Frank Ross has a twisted ankle and we are hopeful he will be back within two weeks. Jamie Adams has a swollen knee and will miss Wrexham and we will assess it next week. Craig Moore is still out but his recovery is coming along well and will be ready to take part in full training soon.

Ross Doohan, Daniel Harvie and Stephen Kelly are away with Scotland Under 21s and Jordan Houston is cup tied. “