McKenzie set for Dundee return after league ban

DUNDEE welcome back a familiar figure for the visit of Ayr on Scottish Cup duty with a new face set to make his first appearance at Dens Park, although defender David Cowan, midfielder Paul McHale and striker Sean Higgins remain out through injury.

Defender Gary McKenzie is set to return to action after suspension from league affairs with Ben Hutchison set to take the field as well. The on-loan Celtic striker and fellow on-loan player, Rangers midfielder Andrew Shinnie are both included in Dens Park manager Jocky Scott’s plans.

Scott said: “I am working on the basis that no news is good news and neither half of the Old Firm have said that their player can not play. I am expecting a tough match as Ayr played really well here back in December.”

Ayr also have a new striker in their ranks, with former Hibs and Dunfermline front man Tam McManus free to play after signing this week, although defenders Kevin James and Billy Gibson are rated as extremely doubtful by manager Brian Reid.

Reid is not being fooled by Dundee being defeated at Dens Park by Ross County last week.

He said: “I am not thinking anything other than Dundee are a top side. We played really well there recently and will take confidence from that. While a cup game can be totally different from a league encounter, I would much prefer having had this game at home.

“Getting to the quarter-final would be a big prize for Ayr United and unfortunately I would imagine that Dundee view it the same way.”