AYR United's man of the hour Liam Russell says that he’s not taking a single moment for granted as he continues to stake his claim to be the Honest Men’s no.1 between the sticks.

United gaffer Scott Brown has utilised his three keepers in the last four games, with Hearts loanee Harry Stone, ex-Accrington kid Jack MacIntyre and Russell, who was plying his trade in the seventh tier last season at West of Scotland Football League side Gartcairn.

And when taking a brief moment of reflection as to just how far he’s come in the last 12 months, Russell admitted that keeping his first Championship clean sheet is something he’ll cherish forever.

He told the Advertiser: “That was a tough game and it’s always going to be because Morton are a decent side.

“They play quite direct despite building out from the back and we got through the tough spells in the game quite quickly.

READ MORE: Boss Brown hails young keeper after clean sheet helps Ayr get back to winning ways

“It felt really good to get the three points. I’m just enjoying every minute and taking things step by step because it’s football, you can’t get too drawn into things like that.

“You just need to come in, do well and impress whilst working hard during the week to make sure the jersey remains yours.

“That was my first clean sheet at this level, which is a really special moment.

“I only thought about it during the week after making my debut, because I had folk from Gartcairn texting me congratulating me.

“It’s crazy how quickly football changes, I’m just taking my chance and I’ll continue to work hard to keep it going.”