MAJOR injury problems are facing Ayr United as they head east for one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the season on Saturday.

The Honest Men travel to Stark's Park to face a Raith Rovers side, who are being tipped as one of the promotion favourites.

Defender Paddy Boyle is set to be out for two to three weeks after being ruled out with an ankle injury, while skipper Ross Docherty and Jamie Adams are still two to three weeks away from a return.

Striker Craig Moore now has a hamstring injury and could be out for up to two weeks.

United have won two of their three opening games, with their first defeat coming against Arbroath a week past on Saturday, while the Fifers have won their three opening matches.

It should be a good game with both teams expected to challenge at the top of the table.

Manager Ian McCall, whose side lost their last game on penalties to Montrose in the Irn-Bru Cup said: "The Montrose game is history although we should have won 5-1. Raith Rovers are an established Championship side and we have just gone full-time. I don't think it's set up for a 0-0. Both teams can score goals, we have 34 and they have 28. It should be a good game and we will go there and give it our best shot. But remember it's early days and we are only four games into the league season. With players out others will have an opportunity to come in and show what they can do."