Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels. Pic: ©SNS Group
Kenny Shiels insists Ayr United have as much chance as his Kilmarnock side of progressing to the final of the Scottish Communities League Cup.
Ayr manager Brian Reid has played up the underdogs tag on his side going into the match, highlighting the difference in resources between his First Division side and their SPL opponents.
His Kilmarnock counterpart Shiels says Reid’s comments are purely a method of lifting the optimism of his players and warns Ayr’s record so far in the competition, having knocked out three top flight teams, speaks for itself.
"I have managed part-time teams against full-time teams and there is no such thing as part-time football," insisted Shiels.
"The boys are more professional now, they will have done their work and I guarantee they will have done as much work as us and they will be well rested.
"I've been in that position and what you do, as a manager, is you bring it up all the time to try to use it to take the pressure off your players. I can see that is happening. We were just waiting for that old chestnut to come out.
"I don't blame Brian for doing that, it's a method of trying to take the pressure off his players.
"But deep down he knows it's not really a disadvantage. He is working really hard to be the underdog and I can appreciate that."
Kilmarnock reached the final of the tournament in 2007, losing 5-1 to Hibernian at Hampden.
That encounter was the last time two non-Old Firm teams played in the showpiece and Shiels has urged his team to grab the opportunity for another shot at rare silverware.
"Outside of the Old Firm, the opportunities don't come that often," he said. "It's my first season in Scotland and it would be really, really good.
"I would be very proud personally but I would also be proud for the club and the players."
