UPBEAT Ayr United player/boss Mark Kerr praised goalscorer Stephen Kelly and versatile Michael Moffat as the Honest Men celebrated a rare Highland double.

They defeated Inverness Caley Thistle 1-0 at Somerset Park, just a week after knocking Caley’s northern rivals Ross County out of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

And Kerr on Friday signed former Hamilton Accies midfielder Grant Gillespie from League of Ireland team Derry City, with the new boy in the squad to face Partick Thistle at Firhill in the Friday night live TV game.

Kerr said: “I have been delighted with the attitude of the boys in the last few weeks.

“We have had some ups and downs but they are all working really hard and the results have been good.

“It was great to get the monkey off the back by beating Inverness who are a team we have not got results against.

“Michael Moffat had a great game in a wide role and helped frustrate Inverness.

“He’s an important player and I’m sure he will be here for a few more seasons.

“I thought it was an excellent finish from Stephen Kelly, it wasn’t easy and he took his goal well.”

Of Gillespie he added: “He was in the squad for Saturday but clearance wasn’t through. Grant will be in the squad for Partick. He is a good player who offers us other options.

“I hope to add a couple more before the window closes but can’t say anything more at this stage.”

Looking ahead to the weekend said: “Obviously I know their manager Ian McCall well from working with him at Ayr and they have picked up a bit with some good results.

“But for me this is just like any other game and we will going there looking to win the match.

“There should be a good atmosphere with the TV cameras there on Friday and we we expect it’s going to be a tough game.

“But we look forward to it.”

However despite United now just a point behind Caley, Kerr will not get carried away.

He said: “We have been doing well but we can’t think ahead and must take it a game at a time.”