Arsenal loan centre-back Alex Kirk returned to the Ayr United squad on Friday, confirming reports of his early recovery from injury.

Though he didn’t end up featuring on the pitch, there was good news for Arsenal loanee Alex Kirk on Friday, as he made his first appearance in an Ayr United squad since March.

The defender had suffered an ankle ligament strain to rule him out of action, with reports suggesting he would miss the remainder of the season.

Kirk returned to Arsenal for further treatment, and even gave interviews where he discussed his season ending early.

“I’m gutted to be honest,” Kirk said at the time. “This is never the way I’d want my time up here to end.

“It’s so frustrating because I wanted to be part of the promotion push and give it my all in these final few games.”

But with the help of Ayr United making the playoffs, Kirk was able to recover in time to make the bench for his loan side this week.

Unfortunately, the actual match didn’t go so well. United ended up losing 3-0 to Partick Thistle, and they’ll need a mammoth response in the second leg to make the playoff final.

Kirk has made 24 appearances for Ayr United this season, despite a couple of injury absences, and he had a good reputation with journalists and fans who follow the club before his latest lay-off.

The second leg of the playoff semi-finals takes place on May 26th, with Ayr United playing at home.

The winner will play the team finishing second from bottom in the Scottish Premiership for the chance to play in the Scottish top-tier next season.