BACK-from-injury defender Craig Reid is desperate for a return to the Ayr United team for tonight's (Tuesday) home clash with Raith Rovers.

The Ladbrokes League One clash has high stakes as victory for either side would take them three points clear at the top of the table, with Ayr currently leading on goal difference.

Former Motherwell ace Reid hasn't started a game since September 30 after being sidelined with a foot injury, but has been working hard in training to try and get back into the team.

Reid said: "The boys are doing brilliantly and I know it's hard to get in the team when the boys are playing well. I know it's hard to change a winning team."

"Hopefully I will feature on Tuesday night, I have been training hard for the past week and a half and and the boys are playing well and winning.

"We are winning games and look forward to Tuesday. Hopefully we can put pressure on Raith and will go into it with confidence."

Reid feels the side have found a killer instinct and that is the key to their revival, which has seem them win three straight games

He said: "I think we are just being a bit more clinical in front of goal and are taking our chances. We were outplaying teams in previous games but were not clinical enough. The front three boys are banging the goals in, long may that continue and we been keeping clean sheets which is important.

Looking ahead he added: "We outplayed Raith the last time but lost the game. We are at home and must take the game to them.

"Raith are a good team to watch and have good players. The two of us are sneaking away from the rest of the teams and the games between us are crucial in terms of getting ahead. Craig Shankland is very sharp and clinical in front of goal, Michael Moffat had a goal drought, but as soon as one went in you knew more would follow."

United make the long trip north to face Banks O'Dee in the William Hill Scottish Cup on Saturday but that is at the back of the players' minds.

He said: "We must focus only on the Raith game and then think about the next one after that."

Meanwhile manager Ian McCall is counting down the hours to the game.

He said: "As far as I'm concerned it can't come quickly enough and we have been preparing really well for it. I know the match won't decide anything - it's only November but it's all about getting the three points and if we do we will go three points clear - that has to be the aim. The fans I'm sure will give us great backing."

United have no injury worries ahead of the game.