Airdrieonians boss Gary Bollan says his focus is on points not plaudits during the League One relegation run-in. 

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The Diamonds chief saw his side nick a late point at Stranraer last weekend to make it just one defeat in 11 games for his rejuvenated team.

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Bollan's men welcome promotion hopefuls Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday knowing a win could see them climb into seventh place depending on what Brechin City do against Ayr United.

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And the gaffer admits playing pretty football is down the list of priorities when it comes to a fight for league survival.

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"It's about grinding out results at this stage of the season when you consider where we are in the table and you could see our never-say-die attitude which is fantastic," the 41-year-old said.

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"We're looking at the teams in front of us and not behind. That's the way we will go about things.

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"East Fife managed to pick up a good result last Saturday [beating Forfar Athletic 2-1] but we got the point that has kept us ahead of them in the table.

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"There is still a long way to go and a lot of points to be played for."

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A poor run of form has seen Brechin dragged into the relegation battle in recent weeks.

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And Bollan, who has on-loan Partick Thistle winger Caolan McAleer available again after suspension, believes that adds an extra dimension to the final month of the campaign.

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"I think it helps pulling Brechin into the mix," he commented. "The more the merrier. There is pressure on everybody.

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"But we've a tough game against Dunfermline Athletic and our focus is on that."

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Midfielder Scott Stewart was handed his full debut for the Diamonds at Stair Park and the son of Airdrie legend Sandy performed well for the full 90 minutes.

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Bollan says the 17-year-old from Rutherglen was worthy of an opportunity after applying himself in the right way during training and second-string matches.

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"I thought Scott was excellent," remarked Bollan. "He's been doing really well in the under-19s and the reserves and deserved his chance.

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"His work rate, effort and quality from start to finish was really good. I couldn't fault him."