As Ben Richards-Everton prepares to return to Partick Thistle, the big defender says Airdrie are in good shape for the second half of the season. 

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Englishman Ben is nearing the end of his loan spell at the Club, but he leaves on a high as the Diamonds face Peterhead on the back of a five-match unbeaten run. 

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"With all the good results we've being getting it gives us confidence and momentum going into the next games. I think as a team we are starting to really gel. 

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"It's nice to see us move up the table - but I think there's even more to come." 

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Having plied his trade in the lower leagues in England, Richards-Everton was snapped up by Thistle at the beginning of the season, and the Premiership club were keen to farm him out.

 

"It's being a really good experience for me to get used to the Scottish way of football.

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"The gaffer here and all the coaching staff have being really good to me. I've really enjoyed my time here."

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Saturday's visitors Peterhead are level on points with the Diamonds, albeit with a couple of games in hand.

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But having beaten all three of the league's full-time teams in recent weeks, Richards-Everton insists that momentum is with the home side.

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"We're only 4 points from the play-offs at the moment, so that's a massive incentive to really go and push on.

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"On our day we can beat anyone in the league and I think we've showed that."

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Ben is also aware of the difference that a positive support can make, and with three games of his loan spell remaining, he has a message for the Airdrie fans.

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"The fans' support really helps the team and they really do play a big part.

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"They've being excellent since i arrived - it's nice to have felt welcome, and I can't thank them enough."

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Ben's final Diamonds appearances will be in a reshuffled defence, as fellow loanee Luca Gasparotto is on international duty.

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Manager Gary Bollan is working hard to bring in a new defender, but Saturday's match may come too soon.

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Referee Calum Murray is in charge as Airdrie look to continue their good form.