Rising star Luke McCowan has been tipped to go all the way by purring boss Ian McCall.
The Ayr striker, who bagged a double in United’s Betfred Cup opener at Berwick, has a “real shot” at the top, says McCall.
The boss said: “I’ve been wrong about many things over the years.
“But I just have a feeling that Luke could be very, very special indeed.
“It’s up to him now and he has to go on and prove himself.
“But we think he has a right future in the game and are very excited to see him develop.”
McCowan burst into Ayr's first team at the tail end of last season and is now being tipped to fill the shooting boots of Lawrence Shankland, who has left for Dundee United.
McCall added: "Luke has sort of come from nowhere in as much as I always knew he was a decent player coming through the ranks, but I've been surprised by just how good he looks.
"He obviously has a lot of developing to do and but we think he has a right chance to go far."
McCowan is likely to play a key role for Ayr as they head to Premiership Livingston tonight for the second round of Betfred group fixtures.
The Lions needed penalties to overcome League One Falkirk on Saturday following a 1-1 draw.
