PROUD Ayr United manager Ian McCall saluted his team as their impressive start to the season continued with a second win out of three in Ladbrokes SPFL League One.

And they have been given a huge added boost with teenage striker Jordan Preston, who was such a key player last term, has returned to the club for another loan spell and will be on board until January 16.

Preston played in Saturday’s hard-earned 2-1 win away to a Stranraer team managed by former Ayr United boss Brian Reid, which leaves them three points behind leaders Forfar Athletic, who are the visitors to Somerset Park this weekend.

But before that tonight (Tuesday) make an arduous trip north to face Premiership team Ross County.

McCall really feels his team pulled out all the stops for victory and said: “The win was really hard fought. I made sure we took all the positives from our display against Rangers last Wednesday into the game at Stranraer. What impressed me most was the determination and togetherness among the squad. You can’t always play nice football, sometimes you have to dig in and get the job done. It has been a really great start to the season for us with five wins so far and that is encouraging.” McCall is delighted to have Preston on board and is still planning to further strengthen his squad.

He said: “Jordan will bring strength and goals and it’s great to have him here again. I have been very patient to hold out for Jordan as I really wanted to get him back. Everyone saw his ability last season, he had a wee dip in form as you would expect from a young guy and finished the season strongly. The team he will play in this season will create a lot more chances for him. He’s a great boy, already has a great bond with a lot of the team and will fit in really well. We have him until January however there’s a chance it could be for longer than that. I want to add to the squad by bringing in a centre half and am looking around at the moment.

The boss is not relishing the marathon trip to Dingwall although will aim to cause a shock.

He admits the Forfar Athletic match, which will be followed next Tuesday by a re-arranged home game against Stenhousemuir is the top priority McCall added: “To be honest we could have done without the Ross County match. But if we play as we did against Rangers there’s always a chance. You never know what can happen in cup football. But our main focus in Saturday. We had a great result against Forfar last season but they are absolutely flying and it will be tough. But we are looking to win the game and if we can do there would be a chance to go top the following Tuesday when we play Stenhousemuir.” For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.