BarryLFC

Midfielders:

Christian Poulsen DEN (97 caps, 6 goals) - 35yo
2014/15 league record:
Ayr FC: Played 9, 1 MoM, Ave: 7.11

It was Poulsen's arrival on a free transfer for the last two months of the season that eventually gave a young Ayr side the veteran leadership they required to pull clear of relegation. So impressive was he that a new contract was signed following the last game of the year. A key contributor, but perhaps only for one last season.

Giannis Karamanos GRE (12 caps) - 18yo
2014/15 league record:
Ayr FC: Played 30, 2 goals, 6 assists, Ave: 6.83

Breaking into the first team at 16, Karamanos went on to have a great season, having joined from feeder club Iraklis the preceding summer. Still just 18, he looks set to be a first team player for many years to come. His versatility allows him to play in a holding role, pressing forward or on the right wing. He may be required to do all these things, as need arises.

Niko Kranjcar CRO (96 caps, 9 goals) - 31yo
2014/15 league record:
Ayr FC: Played 35, 2 goals, 5 assists, 1 MoM, Ave: 7.14

Another important player, Kranjcar is, along with Keith Baxter, the heart and soul of this team. His skills have not eroded with age, and as he enters his seventh season at the club, he is as valuable as ever.

Tomasz Fret POL (12 caps) - 21yo
2014/15 league record:
Ayr FC: Played 11, 1 goal, 2 assists, Ave: 7.00
Cowdenbeath: Played 19, 6 goals, 3 assists, 1 MoM, Ave: 7.47

Signed from Cowdenbeath last term, Fret is a top prospect. Will need to be brought on carefully though, an international already, Fret's ego may come into play in the coming months. It will be a challenge for McMillan to pay close attention to.

Strikers:

Keith Baxter SCO (22 caps, 10 goals) - 24yo
2014/15 league record:
Ayr FC: Played 35, 16 goals, 2 assists, 2 MoM, Ave: 7.11

An Ayr legend already, having come through the Academy at 17 and led the line for the past five years to the tune of 68 league goals. He is the key player in the team, and the primary goalscorer. He will be leaned on heavily this year and for many more to come.

Nathan Delfounesco ENG (7 caps, 2 goals) - 24yo
2014/15 league record:
Stenhousemuir: Played 33, 14 goals, 6 assists, 4 MoM, Ave: 7.18

Nathan actually made a £22m move from Stenny to Parkhouse in the offseason, but the numbers game showed that he wouldn't be playing as often as he ought to, so a loan move to neighbours and rivals Ayr followed. Will be expected to score goals, and his removal from the Ochilview squad harms a direct rival.

Marcelo BRA - 22yo
2014/15 league record:
Ayr FC: Played 17, 1 goal, 2 assists, Ave: 6.71
Germinal Beerschot (loan): Played 17, 14 goals, 2 assists, 8 MoM, Ave: 8.18

A spectacular loan spell in Belgium could well lead to more opportunites in Scotland for the beefy Brazilian forward. Expected to spend time in Norway with Lyn at some point, should top team opportunities elude him in Ayr. At thirteen stone, may need to lose a few pounds.