Airdrieonians could climb off the bottom of League One this weekend for the first time since October.

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Gary Bollan's men will move into ninth place in the table if a win at Ayr United on Saturday is coupled with a defeat for Arbroath at home to Brechin City.

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The Diamonds can also rise from the foot of the standings should the Smokies draw but would need a three-goal winning margin at Somerset Park.

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There have been encouraging signs for Airdrie in recent weeks not least the battling performance produced in the 1-0 defeat at home to to runaway leaders Rangers on January 2.

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"The incentive is there for us on Saturday," said Bollan. "We know we have the chance to get off the bottom of the league which would be a great boost for everyone.

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"We're two points behind the team in front of us and our aim at the minute is to catch them. We will then look to proceed from there."

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Ayr were thrashed 4-0 by surprise package Stranraer at Stair Park last weekend but remain in a top-four slot.

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Bollan knows the Honest Men, who have won three and lost three of their last six league games, pose a threat and will warn his side to be wary of the wounded animal.

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He added: "They will be hurting and looking to bounce back from that defeat so we're expecting nothing other than a very difficult match.

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"Ayr have good players and won at our place in October. But we showed how well we can play in the Rangers game and it's up to us to keep to that standard."

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The Diamonds will be without injured defenders Chris O'Neil, Grant Evans and Grant Drummond. Striker John Boyle is continuing his rehabilitation following knee surgery.

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As previously reported, midfielder David Sinclair has left the club by mutual consent with Bollan working hard on bringing new players into the squad.