Queens Park v Airdrie preview
3rd August 2012
Following a workmanlike cup victory over Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton Academical last week, Airdrie travel to Glasgow to face Queens Park hoping for a repeat performance.
The Scottish Communities League Cup first round tie has been moved from Hampden Park due to the Olympic football taking place, and the Diamonds instead return to Firhill, having contested the ARR Craib cup there only two weeks ago.
Although pleased with the performance against Hamilton, boss Jimmy Boyle has warned his players against complacency after a number of surprise scorelines in last week's Ramsdens Cup card.
“Queen’s will make life difficult and some of the results at the weekend are a reminder that shocks can happen if you’re not on it.”
The Spiders, who saw a young side see off Berwick Rangers on penalties last week, will be looking to bring back David Anderson and James Brough, while ex-Diamond Sean Burns could also feature.
Airdrie are likely to have a similar matchday squad to that which won at Hamilton.
A makeshift midfield saw full-backs Grant Evans and Gavin Griffin pushed into wing roles at New Douglas Park, and that may continue with Jamie Bain serving the second of a two-match ban, although last week's goal hero Willie McLaren will be pushing for a start.
The Club are hopeful of farming three of the younger squad members out to gain more competitive experience.
Ricki Lamie, Fraser Keast and Scott Morton are the trio earmarked for loans, and Jimmy Boyle explained "We want to get them out playing games.
“It’s not that we want rid of them as they are contracted to the club. We just want them to play and come back here stronger.”
Referee Stephen Finnie is the man in the middle for Saturday's cup showdown.