Lee Bullen reckons a clash with the Godfather of Scottish football is just what his Ayr side need to get their season motoring.
United kick off the Championship at home to Dick Campbell’s Arbroath on Saturday.
And Bullen believes a disappointing Premier Sports Cup campaign can be put in the shade with the league curtain raiser.
He told the Ayrshire Post: “Everything has been working towards this and I feel confident we’re ready and in good shape.
“The mood internally among the group couldn’t be any better.
“Sure, our results in the cup haven’t been what we would have wanted, but I feel our performances are there.
“As a format, the cup probably comes a bit early in pre-season and I’m not the only manager saying that.
“But that is gone now and we focus on what is a tremendous game to open our season.”
The Red Lichties almost stunned Scottish football with their fairytale title bid last season.
And Bullen warned: “They’ll come down here looking to lay an early marker.
“But for our lads, it’s a fantastic opportunity to start out on the right foot.
“We probably couldn’t ask for a tougher start than against the Godfather of Scottish football, but that’s just what we want – a proper occasion to start the season.”
Meanwhile, Bullen continues to hunt for a new striker after the cup games yielded a return of just one goal in four outings.
He said: “I’d be concerned if we weren’t creating chances in the first place, and that’s not the case.
“But I definitely want to add something in the forward areas...it’s about working within our budget and making sure we get the right ones in.”
Bullen will make a late call on who starts with the gloves with Charlie Albinson now seriously challenging Aidan McAdams for the number one spot.
Nick McAllister and Fraser Bryden are others who have forced themselves into contention for starting slots after showing up well in the cup games.
The boss added: “There are a few positions where I have nice decisions to make.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
