Craig Thomson says Airdrie have to do a professional job against Hamilton’s colts in the Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Cup - as an away tie outside of Scotland would take the biscuit.

 

The Diamonds enter the challenge cup competition with a trip to the Fountain of Youth Stadium to take on Guillaume Beuzelin’s Accies U21 team and both sides know that victory could see them land an intriguing tie against an English, Irish or Welsh side.

 

Thomson joined Airdrie from Brechin City in the summer, and the former St Johnstone youth says the club is a good fit for him.

 

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far, everyone has been very welcoming.

 

“I feel like the style of play suits me here so I’m looking forward to improving as a player as the weeks go on.”

 

The 24-year-old winger was back in the starting line-up as Airdrie picked up their first league points of the campaign at Montrose on Saturday - a hard earned win according to Thomson.

 

“I thought the whole 90 minutes was tough, even when they had ten men.

 

“It’s not easy playing away to teams like Montrose who are very hard to break down, but I think it’s good to show that we can grind out those 1-0 wins when we need to.”

 

With the league campaign up and running, attention turns to the newly renamed Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Cup, where the Diamonds face a young Hamilton side who recorded an impressive 4-0 victory over BSC Glasgow last week.

 

As the “old heads” in the tie, Thomson believes the pressure is on Airdrie.

 

“It will be a hard game because we are expected to go through comfortably. 

 

“Hamilton will be young and hungry to impress, so we will all have to make sure we stay professional and treat it like a normal game.”

 

Tuesday’s winners will progress to the third round of the competition, where the Ladbrokes Championship clubs enter - along with Northern Irish sides Ballymena United and Glenavon, Welsh teams The New Saints and Connah’s Quay Nomads, Waterford and Bohemians from the League of Ireland Premier Division, and English sides Solihull Moors and Wrexham.

 

Craig believes it’s an attractive draw for everyone involved.

 

“The involvement of these sides can give teams an exciting away trip out of Scotland, and the competition also gives a chance for the under 21s to challenge themselves against senior opposition.

 

“I think it’s a good thing. As long as a Scottish team wins - hopefully Airdrie - as it’s a Scottish trophy!”

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Manager Ian Murray added: "It's good to be in action again, against a young energetic team who play with plenty of confidence and no fear.

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"It won't be an easy game, but it's a good test for our squad and an opportunity to progress in a cup."

 

Admission to the tie at the Fountain of Youth Stadium is priced at £8 for adults and £3 for under 18s and over 65s. The match kicks off at 7:45pm and is refereed by David Lowe.