Angry Diamonds gaffer Jimmy Boyle has demanded improvement from his players after last week's disastrous result at Firhill.

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In a week that saw Airdrie chairman Jim Ballantyne apologise to fans for the 7-0 reversal, manager Boyle admitted he was "embarrassed" by the performance. 

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"I will take the stick from the fans on the chin because I pick the team.

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"I accept that. But I'm not going to accept that manner of performance from players pulling on the jersey."

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With several key players struggling with injuries, there isn't a great deal that can be done to shuffle the pack, but Boyle knows the importance of fielding a team who are up for the battle with Dumbarton on Saturday.

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"It's a big one for the players that will be picked," he said. "I'm going to do my best to pick players who will stand up and be counted. 

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"And when I say stand up and be counted, I mean by keeping the ball, defending properly, by being a strong unit, by giving 100 per cent. If they can guarantee me that, we will be fine on Saturday."

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The game is likely to come too soon for defender Cammy MacDonald and midfielder Sean Lynch, but top scorer John Boyle is thought to be back in contention.

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With an opening day hat-trick against Dumbarton already under his belt, Boyle - who celebrated his 26th birthday on Monday - will be keen to get back into the swing of things.

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The Sons are toiling at the foot of the table with only two points on the board, and their poor form saw them part company with manager Alan Adamson this week.

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Adamson, who guided the team to a play-off victory over Airdrie last season, will be succeeded in the interim by his assistant Jack Ross. 

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The caretaker boss is looking to take advantage of Airdrie's recent slump in a bid to get a first win of the season on board for Dumbarton.

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"We need that first win to get our season moving and the players are well aware of what they have to do."

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The Sons miss Kevin Nicol and Pat Walker through injury. 

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Willie Collum is the man in the middle.