Ayr United haven’t been shy when it comes to adding bodies during the summer in a bid for a cup run and higher league position.

The Scottish Championship side are looking to improve upon their poor finish last season by climbing up the table this year and have brought in Arsenal youngster Alex Kirk to help with that.

Kirk signed his first professional contract with The Gunners in January 2021 and has been a regular fixture in the Under 23’s team.

The 19 year-old English defender will be looking to force his way into the first team and make a difference north of the border this season.

Kirk joined fellow defender and summer arrival Frankie Musonda in the matchday squad for the Premier Sports Cup visit of Elgin however failed to earn his first appearance for The Honest Men as he was an unused substitute.

The first competitive fixture for the Championship side finished in a goalless draw eventually winning 4-3 on penalties earning Lee Bullen’s side a valuable extra point.

Bullen spoke to Ayr’s Black and White TV after the match about his thoughts on the game.

He said, “I think we controlled the game for 70-75 per cent of the time, we missed quite a few guilt-edged chances though so you can see that there is still some rustiness there.

“I was delighted with the clean sheet. This time last year we drew 0-0 with Albion Rovers so we take the two points and we move on to the Queens game on Tuesday

which will be another really hard game.

“Ultimately we are still finding our way but we still have three weeks until the first game of the season against Arbroath and there will be improvements along the way. “

Speaking on new-signing Musonda’s performance Bullen said, “You can see he has the experience of a Championship footballer and you can see that he is an international player.

“Even at 24 years-old he has a real maturity about his game and I believe he’ll prove to be a really good addition for us.”

A strong performance from another young defender that Kirk will be looking to partner - or take his spot - this season.