Airdrie take on Ayr United knowing that other results have to go their way to nick a play-off place, but Hugo Faria is in optimistic mood.

 

The Diamonds have given themselves a chance with wins over Forfar Athletic and Dunfermline, and only a win will do at Somerset Park on Saturday.

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Fans will have a nervous eye on the scorelines at Stair Park and Ochilview, knowing that anything but a Stranraer win will leave fourth place wide open, with Airdrie currently enjoying a slightly better goal difference than the Blues and fellow contenders Albion Rovers.

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The final afternoon of the regular league season is sure to take many twists and turns, but Portuguese midfielder Faria is in positive mood.

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"Unfortunately it doesn't depend only on our result, but I'm optimistic that we can get there.

"I'm sure we'll know what's happening elsewhere. We will be concentrating on our own game, but with technology nowadays it's almost impossible to avoid knowing."

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Danny Lennon's squad go into the match on a high after a thrilling 3-0 win over champions Dunfermline last weekend.

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Faria was pleased with the performance.

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"It was amazing. The commitment and the confidence popped up and we managed to put in our best on the park.

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"I believe that it was more about the psychologial aspects than the physical ones. We just enjoyed the game with responsibility, and that had an important role.

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"Ayr have shown that they are a good team, but our last results are a boost to all the players.

"We couldn't be more motivated with the last two results and the opportunity to make the play-offs, so if we show the same mentality, confidence and desire... sure, we can make it!"

 

Whatever transpires from Saturday's results, Hugo has enjoyed his time at the club so far, and is looking forward to the future.

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"It took me some time to adapt to training only twice a week at night time, but I've been delighted to be part of the Airdrie family.

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"I've enjoyed every moment, and surely that will continue."

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Peter Murphy is suspended for the Honest Men, who are back in second place following last week's 4-0 win at Peterhead.

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Already guaranteed a play-off spot, Ayr boss Ian McCall may see Saturday's match as an opportunity to rest some key players.

On-loan Diamonds Dylan Mackin and David Ferguson prepare for the match with some new silverware to their name - both players scored in Wednesday night's Youth Cup final as Motherwell beat Hearts 5-2.

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Greg Aitken referees the Somerset Park meeting.