Ayr United manager Lee Bullen has vowed to chat to his players about their mentality after they lost three goals in 15 minutes to fall to defeat in Inverness.

A double from David Wotherspoon and a penalty from Billy McKay in the final period of the first half consigned the Honest Men to defeat in the Highlands.

A Jamie Murphy penalty in the second half got a goal back on the board for the away side, but Bullen says it was too late to salvage anything from the game. 

He said: "There is more to be disappointed about than any kind of positivity. That 15 minute spell was a huge learning thing for me. 

"I was just looking at one or two of the players' body language in that time and it was a little bit disappointing. 

"However they do deserve credit for earning a little bit back in the second half, because it could have been a sore one for us.

"We got a foothold in the game and were for long spells the better team. If we get the goal back maybe ten minutes earlier it could have been different, but it wasn't to be."

The gaffer says he will chat to his players in the coming weeks to assess why his side collapsed in those 15 minutes at the Caledonian Stadium. 

He added: "The mental state of players is the biggest conundrum you can have as a coach, so I will speak to the players about what was going through their heads. 

"It means that should this scenario ever arise again, we know how we can do better and manage the situation."

United were knocked early on after an injury to defender George Stanger, but Bullen believes the issue is not as bad as first feared. 

He said: "That did knock us a little bit because it was disappointing to lose George, and we don't know how long it will be for. 

"At first we thought it was a fractured collarbone but the scans don't seem to show that and the initial consultation said it was unlikely.

"That is a bit of good news alongside getting Charlie Albinson, Ben Dempsey and Frankie Musonda back in the next few weeks for some strength in depth."

Ayr will now turn their attentions to their Scottish Cup third round match against Peterhead on November 25. 

Bullen says that although his side are favourites, they will be wary of a Peterhead side flying high in league two. 

He added: "On paper we are favourites, but Peterhead will be looking at the chance of a giant-killing because they are at home as well. 

"It is a great opportunity to get into the next round and add some money to the coffers as well so we are really looking forward to it."