Scott Brown is urging Ayr fans to pack out Somerset Park after United were pitted against Hibs in the Scottish Cup last night.
Brown and his assistant, Steven Whittaker, both played more than 100 times for the Easter Road club after coming through the ranks in Leith.
It’s the tie of the fifth round with all eyes set to fall on Somerset Park on the weekend of February 7. The game is certain to be one of those chosen for live coverage with United chiefs waiting to hear which date TV trucks will roll into town.
Brown told the Ayrshire Post: “It’s a great one for the club and hopefully we can get the ground close to sold out. Hibs will bring a big support down and I’m sure our fans will also turn out in their numbers. It’s fantastic for everyone associated with the club.
“We’ve got to believe in ourselves and these are the games for players to test themselves. We went to Rangers last season when myself and Steven were just in the door here and gave a very good account of ourselves that day, so we’ve got to trust that we can show that same level of performance again.
“Hibs are flying at the minute and Davie [Gray] will bring them down here in confident mood, but we’re strong at home and need to show that. Of course they have good players, but so do we.”
Much of the pre-match focus will be on Brown and Whittaker going up against their boyhood club and the Ayr boss admits his phone has already been red hot since last night’s draw.
He laughed: “My phone’s been buzzing with people I’d forgotten about already looking for tickets! So I’m sure the build-up will be good. But the game won’t be about me and Whitts – our time has gone – it’s about our lads and what they can do.
“We’re taking on a team that’s in the top six of the Premier and they obviously have quality all over the pitch. But this is a fantastic opportunity for us to go and show what we’re about as a club. We’re on a good run, especially at home, and need to use that to our advantage.”