Mick O'Byrne looks set to make his third start in a row when Airdrieonians head to Forfar Athletic on league business this Saturday.

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The 24-year-old sat out the second half of last season at Albion Rovers following ankle ligament surgery. 

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The centre-back left Cliftonhill at the end of the campaign and penned a one-year deal with Airdrie after showing up well on trial.

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Regular first-team football is O'Byrne's target going forward and he wouldn't mind getting on the scoresheet more often after breaking his duck in the 4-3 win over Stenhousemuir in the League Cup.

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"I haven't got all that many in my career so it's good to get a goal at the start of my time with Airdrie," he said ahead of the League One opener at Station Park.

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"It's been a long time since I've been able to play regularly. I'm not 100 per cent yet but I am getting there. It's nice to be back.

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"I had to have ankle surgery. The injury wasn't clearing up and it was having an effect on my form.

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"I had a couple of offers from elsewhere but I was keen to do well here. Jimmy has been absolutely brilliant with me.

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"He knew about my injury and that it would take a while to get fit following the time I've had off but I had to get playing again.

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"This is my first pre-season back after the surgery so I knew it was going to take some time."

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Airdrie head to Forfar, who defeated Rangers in the League Cup last weekend, with a 100 per cent record although there is still room for improvement.

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"We haven't played particularly well in these opening two games but we are grinding out the results so that's a good sign," O'Byrne added.

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"You always get a difficult game at Forfar. They are well organised and have some good players."

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The Diamonds will be without banned defender Chris O'Neil and the injured duo of John Boyle and Gregor Buchanan for the trip to Angus.