Greenock Morton v Airdrie preview
5th April 2013
Airdrie should know the extent of striker John Boyle's knee injury by the time they face Morton at Cappielow.
The 26-year-old was stretchered off with seven minutes remaining of the Diamonds' 1-0 defeat to Falkirk last weekend.
Boyle, who signed a one-year contract extension a few days ago, is out of Saturday's trip to title-chasing Ton and could be missing for the final weeks of the season.
Manager Jimmy Boyle is obviously concerned and hopes the news from the medical professionals regarding the status of the club's top goalscorer is positive.
He said: "John took a really bad one and it's a shame for him and us after signing him up for next season.
"He's had a tough time with injuries but still managed to get 10 goals. As long as he is ready for the start of pre-season, I will be happy."
Centre-back David Lilley will also miss the trip to Greenock through suspension with striker Jordan Kirkpatrick (knee) injured.
Elsewhere on the personnel front and winger Alan Cook could be set for a surprise first-team return before the end of the campaign.
Former Stirling Albion player Cook has been sidelined for months with an ankle injury but is back in training and progressing well.
The Diamonds are looking for their first win at Cappielow since August 2003 and an improvement on the performance produced against the Bairns at New Broomfield.
Boyle added: "It's going to be a tough game down there but all of the pressure is on Morton even though we both need to win the match.
"I will try and give the players as much confidence as I can. This is a chance for us to go there and enjoy the game and occasion.
"On our day, we can play well and cause teams problems but confidence is low and looking at the league table tells you where we are.
"I feel like we have created chances and been better going forward in the last six games; but we didn't do that against Falkirk."
Boyle also had words of praise for 16-year-old striker Liam Coogans who made his full debut in the loss to the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finalists.
He added: "I thought Liam worked really hard. He's one for the future and been a breath of fresh air. Liam's lively and he will score goals for us."