Cammy Russell expects more of the same from Airdrie as the Diamonds welcome Alloa Athletic for the last match of 2017.

​

The 19-year-old made an explosive start to his senior career with a debut double against Stranraer in July, and has doubled his tally in recent weeks with goals against Raith Rovers and Ayr United.

​

Now the Diamonds prepare to face Alloa as the battle for play-off positions moves into the second half of the season.

​

Russell is also top scorer for the Development squad with ten goals, and the striker is keen for his good form to continue.

​

“It’s obviously good to play games, and everybody wants to play first team games so the aim is to play as often as possible.

 

“When you’re not with the first team you just want to play games with the 20s and get as many goals as possible and hopefully catch the manager’s eye.

 

“As long as I’m playing and scoring goals, I’m happy."

​

With four points separating Airdrie from third-placed Alloa, a win over the Wasps would drag the Diamonds right into play-off contention ahead of the new year.

​

Russell feels that's enough motivation for Airdrie to continue their unbeaten streak.

​

 

“It’s a great incentive. The table’s always really tight around the middle, so as long as we keep picking up points we’ll do alright.

 

“Alloa are on a wee run too and the games with them are always close, but anybody can beat anybody in this league so we’ll just approach it like any other game.

 

“The boys have been brilliant the last couple of games, so another good performance is all we can hope for.”

​

Stevie Findlay is looking for a repeat of one of his early results in charge of the top team.

​

"Our 2-0 win here was one of my first games, and it was very even up until the latter stages.

 

"We’ve got to go and open games up at home - we’ve been playing well here and we need to continue that."

​

The Diamonds first-team coach confirmed that defender Jordan McGregor is sidelined with a foot injury picked up in last weekend's win over Ayr United. Midfielders Ryan Conroy and Marc Fitzpatrick also miss out.

​

Mike Roncone referees the game - his only other Airdrie match this season was the aforementioned July win over Stranraer, in which the visitors saw two players red-carded.