DISAPPOINTED Ayr United boss Ian McCall conceded wasted chances had cost his side dear as they ended the third quarter of the season with a 2-0 defeat at Falkirk.

But the fans have been boosted with the news that long-time injury victim, wideman Alan Forrest is set to be back in the squad for the visit of Queen of the South on Saturday.

The Honest Men remain third and battling for a playoff spot. However, they are just three points clear of fourth-placed Dunfermline Athletic, who have played a game more and four in front of fifth-placed Inverness Caley Thistle

Second, third and fourth go through to the playoffs, with the Premiership’s second bottom club.

McCall says it’s important his team turn the corner.

He said after Friday’s game: “The confidence is low, we need to score the first goal. Lawrence has been absolutely magnificent for this club and we will go on to have a fantastic career but he missed a great chance to put us 1-0 up, the best chance of the game. It was one of those nights.

“In the second half we had two or three other really good chances and their keeper made some saves.

“You can dress it up all you want – the first goal was a total fluke, the second goal was a fantastic strike by their boy. We are in the final quarter of the season but we must now replicate the first and second quarters.

If we do that we will be fine. We have to get the confidence back in the players.

United face a test against McCall’s former club Queen of the South at Somerset Park on Saturday and the boss says it’s vital they bounce back.

He said: “It’s an important match for us and we really must get back on track and take three points. Alan Forrest could make a difference for us and it’s great to have him back. There are four teams battling for three playoff spots.”