Ayr v Arbroath: Red Lichties boss believes Rangers tie adds to pressure

The spectre of an encounter with Rangers next week puts added pressure on Arbroath against Ayr United, manager Paul Sheerin has admitted.

Sheerin knows the odds will not be in their favour when Ally McCoist’s men come to town in seven days, and is equally aware two pointless matches in a row would be a big blow to their League One survival hopes.

So a draw or a win at promotion-chasing United could be crucial.

Sheerin said: “When you know Rangers are coming up it always puts a bit of an extra emphasis on the game before it.

“Having said that, East Fife have Dunfermline this weekend, which is another hard one. The games get bigger and bigger each week really.

“They become more important than ever. You can’t afford to look too far ahead.”

Ricky Little is suspended for the next two games, but Sheerin doesn’t have any fresh injury concerns.