FREE-scoring striker Declan McDaid is aiming to move into double figures after blasting his fifth goal of the season for Ayr United on Saturday.

The former Partick Thistle and Cowdenbeath target man notched one of the goals in the 3-0 home victory against Forfar Athletic as the Honest Men racked up their second successive victory in League One.

However he will not take his starting place for granted, stressing he must work hard to stay in the team.

He is delighted with the team's form and said: "We are flying and are scoring loads of goals a game and not conceding many. By January I want to get 10 goals by January, I'm already halfway there and if I do I will set a new target. But I know there are great players here so if I have a bad game I will be out.

"Craig McGuffie was outstanding again, he was brilliant against Forfar and he can play at a much higher level than this. It's great playing with experienced guys like Michael Moffat."

He feels they can do better and added: "We have set ourselves a platform, which we can hopefully build on."

United tomorrow (Wednesday) head to Ochilview to face East Stirlingshire away in the opening round of the Irn-Bru Cup and McDaid is relishing the challenge.

The striker added: "We did really well in the Betfred Cup and hopefully we will get through and I can score a goal or set one up."

Manager Ian McCall was pleased to get three points but feels his team can play better and said: "We weren't at our best and the Hibs game took a lot out of the players. Robbie Crawford had a chance to score another goal late on but we are pleased with the win. We have scored 23 goals and that's encouraging.

The boss, meanwhile will make some changes for the East Stirling game.

He said: "We will give a few guys a bit of a rest although there will be some first team players and bring some of the younger guys in so they have an opportunity. We want to win the game but won't be taking it lightly as East Stirling will be up up for it."

The manager is more concerned with Saturday's trip to Stair Park to face derby rivals Stranraer.

He said: "Albion Rovers away and Stranraer away are about two of the toughest fixtures you could face. Stranraer is a tough place to go and we had some good games against them but we are looking to win the match."