AYR United midfielder Luke McCowan is champing at the bit to face hometown club Morton — because it means he can walk to the game.

The League One-winning side will face the Ton in the Scottish Championship this season having gained automatic promotion last term.

The teams were also drawn in the same Betfred Cup group, with the season curtain-raiser at Somerset Park on Saturday.

Greenock midfielder, Luke, 20, can’t wait to play his local club after being given a one-year contract extension by manager and ex-Ton gaffer Ian McCall.

He said: “It’s great because I still live locally so I might walk to the Cappielow games.

“It would be amazing for me as a Greenock boy to be playing against my local side — and hopefully get a result against them!

“I played against their development team in the last game of the season when they won the under-20s league.

“The manager was there watching it and said I played really well in the second half so I was chuffed with that, even though we were beaten, and pleased to be in his good books at the end of the season. I’m really buzzing for the Morton matches.

“Whether or not I’ll be playing I don’t know, I’ll have to wait and see.

“What I’m really looking forward to is that my family can come and watch.”

The former East End United Boys’ Club star says the fixture is causing a stir at the Waterfront Leisure Complex, where he works as a lifeguard when he’s not playing or training.

He said: “Customers are slating me saying they will give me pelters because they’re season ticket holders at Cappielow.

“I enjoy working there because it keeps my feet on the ground — and the cleaning helps me with the chores at Somerset Park.

“I’m not any good at golf so I would just sit about otherwise.

“At least if I’m working it keeps me busy.”