McGowan off to flying Ayr start

McGowan played for Australia at the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt

Ryan McGowan made a flying start to his loan deal at Ayr United after the Hearts defender scored in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Dundee.

The 20-year-old, who can also play in midfield, has joined Ayr until January.

McGowan had just returned from playing for Australia at the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt.

He told Hearts' website: "I need to be playing regular games. Hopefully being at Ayr will help my game and, in turn, help Ayr climb the table."

McGowan headed home a Ryan Borris cross with 17 minutes remaining as Ayr came from two goals behind to secure a draw that prevented Dundee taking over at the top of Division One.

"I am due to come back to Hearts in January, when I hope to stake a claim for first-team involvement again," he added.

McGowan made his senior debut for the Edinburgh club in the final game of the 2007-08 campaign but has not played for the first-team since.