Ryan Conroy is looking forward to facing Queen of the South in the Irn-Bru Cup - a game he describes a 'shot-to-nothing'.

 

The midfielder had two spells at Palmerston Park earlier in his career, but is hopeful the Diamonds can pocket a win and put themselves in the frame for the next round.

 

Conroy is the man in possession of the captain's armband while Marc Fitzpatrick recovers from a leg injury, and the 30-year-old was pleased to see Airdrie get their league points tally off the mark against Arbroath on Saturday.

 

"I think a draw was probably a fair result, both sides had a few chances.

 

"We had a few towards the end and probably should have had a penalty but we owe a lot to Rohan for the number of saves he made, so we're happy to get our first point."

 

In the absence of club captain Fitzpatrick, Conroy has been playing in a slightly deeper midfield role but is looking forward to returning to a more advanced berth.

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"With Fitzy missing and me being one of the older players, it's up to me to organise the young boys.

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"It's always a challenge at the start of the season, but hopefully as we move on - and maybe get some more bodies in - you'll see me further up the park!"

 

With the Betfred group stages already out of the way, the Diamonds return to cup action in Dumfries tomorrow, and Conroy is content to be the underdog.

 

"Consolidating in the league is obviously our main priority this season, but tomorrow night is a shot-to-nothing really - there's no pressure on us so we'll go there and try to get a result which would be great for confidence."

 

With two successful spells as a player at Palmerston, Ryan is looking forward to returning - and hopefully causing an upset.

 

"I had a great time at Queen of the South. They're a great club and they've usually got a good team.

 

"A lot of the boys have moved on since my last spell there but I still know a few people at the club and I'm looking forward to going back down.

 

"Anything is possible in football, and if we play to our abilities we can certainly cause them a few problems."

 

Director of football Gordon Dalziel says the Diamonds are up against it with doubts over the availability of a number of players.

 

"I think it'll be a difficult game, after Saturday's match we're very low in numbers. We're looking to do one or two things to strengthen the squad.

 

"At the moment we're working hard with the players we have available, but Queen of the South are a good Championship side.

 

"We'll go down there and do our best."