FIRED-up Ayr United skipper Ross Docherty is promising former fans’ favourites Lawrence Shankland and Liam Smith a difficult afternoon as table-toppers Dundee United visit Somerset Park on Saturday

The clash could be a potential classic, with United second in the table.

The Terrors are three points clear but a home win will take Ayr level on points with their rivals.

Docherty said: “We were disappointed to lose the Challenge Cup tie to Wrexham on penalties, it wasn’t ideal. But we now really look forward to the Dundee United game. We beat them three times last year and are looking to win.

“But they are a good side although the pressure is more on them to achieve as they have a much bigger budget. Lawrence and Liam did well with us but our focus is on our own team.

“I expect it should be a good game and we will be well up for it.”

United boss Ian McCall is expecting a real test.

He said: “We should have a great crowd. We did well against them last season but Lawrence Shankland was a big part of that. I’m sure he and Liam will get a great reception. I wish we had been able to hold on to them. It’s a big game and we are looking to win.”

The Honest Men will be without injured players Andy Murdoch, Craig Moore, Frank Ross, Craig McGuffie and Jamie Adams. But Aaron Muirhead, who suffered a knock in Wales should be okay.

Meanwhile in junior football, former Whitletts Victoria captain Raymond Buchanan has been granted a testimonial by the club to mark the 10 years he served. Raymond, left in the summer to take up the managerial reigns at Lugar Boswell Thistle.

He joined Vics from Girvan in 2009 and was a key part of two promotion-winning Vics teams.