David Hopkin insists his Ayr stars are ready to create Ayrshire derby history tonight - by doing their locked out fans proud.
United will head into the Lion's Den to face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park as the sides collide on league duty for the first time in 28 years.
But Ayr will have to do it without the backing of any supporters as all 3,692 briefs have gone to home supporters.
Hopkin insists his men will be using that as extra inspiration - and says they are heading to East Ayrshire tonight to lay down a marker against the league favourites.
He told the Ayrshire Post: “We know what this game means to the club and the supporters and we go there tonight knowing exactly what is at stake.
"At the same time, it is game one of the league season and we have to make sure we keep our heads and stay composed.
"These games are all about who goes out and does themselves justice and we need to stay focused in what will be a tricky atmosphere.
"We're gutted the fans can't be with us as they would have made a real difference for sure.
"But we have to go out and do them proud and I'm sure we will."
Ayr fans will be glued to the action live on BBC Scotland as hostilities are renewed with their bitter rivals.
And Hopkin insists his squad, which features a relative lack of Ayrshire derby experience, can cope with the size of the task at hand.
He said: "It's the same for both sides in the regard as the fixture doesn't come around that often.
"But our boys know exactly what it means so there will be no problem on that score.
“We’ve had Killie watched three times and know what they’re all about.
“They will no doubt see themselves as favourites but we certainly won't be going there with anything to fear.
"We’ve come through the Premier Sports Cup games without conceding a goal and that is breeding confidence.”
Hopkin has added James Maxwell and Daire O'Connor to his squad in the past week and both will be part of the travelling party tonight.
The manager is also working hard to get a deal for a new striker over the line in time for tonight's clash.
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