AIRDRIE will be looking to go into the international break on a high by getting back to winning ways at home to Cowdenbeath.

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The Diamonds face the Blue Brazil at New Broomfield with former midfielder Jamie Stevenson returning to Craigneuk Avenue following his summer departure.

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Boss Jimmy Boyle has been encouraged with the Diamonds' Irn-Bru First Division form so far this season.

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And he wants a positive result after last weekend's late 2-1 reverse at home to Jim Jefferies' Dunfermline Athletic.

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He said: "I felt we were worth at least a point after what we put into the game. We worked really hard. We had chances in the second half but didn't take them.

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"We are not going to be a gung-ho team that goes forward all the time. We did that last season and got caught a few times. We want to defend well and try and keep clean sheets."

 

Boyle added: "I expect Cowdenbeath to be as well-organised as they were last season. They had a really good result at home to Hamilton Accies last Saturday.

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"By all accounts, it was a comfortable 1-0 win for them. We're anticipating a tough afternoon.

 

"We struggled against them last season. We were beaten twice and drew twice. Cowdenbeath are structured well.

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"It will be a battle of wits. They will be solid defensively and keep their shape. We will need to work hard to get anything out of this game."

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In terms of injuries, the manager is hopeful that winger Willie McLaren and striker Ryan Donnelly will feature at some stage against the Blue Brazil.

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Top goalscorer John Boyle – who has netted five in as many games – will have a knee problem assessed but defender Grant Evans (thigh) is definitely out.