Ayr plan to give Curle birthday celebration to remember

Ayr man of the moment Ross Curle is keen to celebrate his birthday in style tomorrow when he lines up for the club in the biggest match in their history, away to Bristol in the quarter-finals of the British & Irish Cup.

The Millbrae club's president, Billy McHarg, said that last week's pool win over Doncaster Knights - which got Ayr to this stage - created an atmosphere in the clubhouse that was "as good as when the club won the cup".

However, the players have quickly got out of party mode and are ready to head south for a crack at the English Championship outfit. Scotland club international Curle, who has previously had professional experience in Italy, played at stand-off in the 23-17 victory over the Yorkshire side and was named man of the match.

He will be keen to continue that form tomorrow on the day he turns 24, with youngster Robbie Fergusson again set to be outside him in the centres. Ayr coaches Kenny Murray and Peter Laverie delayed naming their squad until late last night due to a number of bumps and bruises, but it seems likely that prop Gordon Reid will travel to Bristol this evening after benching for Glasgow Warriors in Wales.

Bristol head coach Paul Hull has named a near full-strength side for the clash at the Memorial Stadium. One change is made to the backline that started in their narrow victory over Melrose last week, Jack Gadd replacing the experienced Nicky Little at centre. In the forwards, they revert to the pack that defeated Plymouth Albion on 13 February. Former Glasgow Warriors man Sean Marsden is on the bench. The match kicks-off at 3pm.

Bristol: J Tovey; A Elliott, J Adams, J Gadd, G Watkins; E Barnes, R Bolt; M Irish, R Johnston, D Crompton, M Sambucetti, R Winters, I Greive, D Montagu, J Merriman. Subs: D Blaney, W Thompson, D Barry, J Miller, R Shaw, M Davies, S Marsden.