David Hutton thinks a win over his old team Clyde on Sunday will give the Diamonds a chance to progress from Betfred Cup Group F.

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Hutton was so nearly the Airdrie hero as a revitalised Partick Thistle laid siege to his goal in the second half of last weekend’s campaign opener at Firhill.

 

The Diamonds goalie made save after save as the Jags increased the pressure, only to be eventually beaten by the scrappiest of own goals.

 

That spell aside, Hutton was pleased with his side’s overall display.

 

“I thought we were great in the first half, we came out flying and a few of the boys put in really good performances.

 

“In the second half we were under pressure a bit, but there were plenty of positive signs and hopefully we can kick on from that.”

 

The well-travelled 34-year-old became a popular figure with Airdrie fans after coming in to the side early last season following an injury to Scott Gallacher.

 

Between Gallacher nearing a comeback from his long lay-off, the close season signing of Reece Willison and the emergence of young keeper Andrew McNeil, competition for the coveted number one shirt has never been fiercer - but Hutton is relishing the challenge.

 

“It’s good, it keeps you on your toes. I know that if I make mistakes and I don’t perform I could lose the jersey - but as far as I’m concerned, that’s not going to happen! 

 

“I’m really happy for Gal getting close to a comeback, and Reece has come in with a good reputation. Andrew’s doing well too, so there’s plenty of healthy competition. We all get on well - goalie’s union and all that!”

 

Hutton’s display at Firhill will have done him no harm as he bids to stay in the starting XI for Sunday’s trip to Hamilton’s FOYS Stadium, where the Diamonds take on newly-promoted Clyde.

 

David spent three years with the Broadwood club earlier in his career, and is looking forward to playing against the Bully Wee.

 

“It’ll be good to face one of my old teams, I really enjoyed my time there. It wasn’t yesterday though, I joined them in 2006. I’m looking forward to it, and hopefully we can win this one.

 

“We just need to win as many games as we can and see where it takes us. We played well against a good side last week, so I don’t see why we can’t progress.”

 

Manager Ian Murray is ready to face a side on the up.

 

“It’s a good game for us in terms of seeing where are, as we’re playing a team from our league.

 

“Clyde will still be buoyed by their play-off win, and they’ve shown that they can get through tough mental games as well as tough physical games. They’ll still be on a high, so we’re expecting it to be a hard game.”

 

Defender Kyle MacDonald is Airdrie’s only doubt for the tie, which is refereed by Steven McLean.

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Fans are reminded that the match takes place at Hamilton’s FOYS Stadium, and kicks off at 3:00pm on Sunday due to a fixture clash.