Lee Bullen insists he has no fears about pitching Fraser Bryden back into battle.
The 17-year-old striker made his first Ayr start against Morton at Cappielow and proved himself more than up to the task.
And boss Bully believes United may have unearthed a gem.
He said: “Fraser has earned his right to be in my plans.
“Sure, he’s been given a chance right now because of one or two being unavailable, but it’s about how you take those chances.
“And he proved on Saturday that he can go toe to toe with experienced centre halves and live with them every inch of the way.
“He came on against a rugged centre half like Ash Taylor the other week and didn’t look out of place.
"Then at Morton he’s given big Alan Lithgow a torrid afternoon.
“So he’s clearly got the tools to handle himself and that can only be a good sign going forward.”
Bryden, who was a fan on the Ayr terraces just three months ago, is living the dream after signing a long term deal with his boyhood club.
He replaced the suspended Sam Ashford on Saturday and could be called on again for the visit of Hamilton this Friday with Ashford still banned and Tomi Adeloye playing through a foot injury.
Bullen added: “It’s been a great story for the kid and now he has a real chance to go and make it in the game.
“We’ll give him all the support he needs.
“I certainly have no worries about turning to him in future, whether that be on Friday night or whenever.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
