Craig Thomson has watched Airdrie fire themselves to title contention - now the winger aims to push on with his comeback against Clyde.

 

Having spent almost three months on the sidelines after sustaining a nasty arm break against Stranraer in September, Thomson was delighted to make a surprise appearance as the Diamonds returned to winning ways with a home victory over Peterhead last weekend.

 

“It’s great to be back involved with the squad. Obviously from a personal point of view it’s frustrating when you’re not involved, but it was good to see a winning run from the boys - now I’m just hoping I can get back in the team sooner rather than later.

 

“Coming back earlier than expected has been good, and it gives me time to build up my match fitness.

 

“Hopefully come the new year I’ll be like a new signing!”

 

The 24-year-old midfielder came on as a 71st-minute substitute in last Saturday’s match, Airdrie’s second 2-1 victory over the Blue Toon this season.

 

Just as in the previous meeting between the sides, Calum Gallagher and Dale Carrick got the goals for the Diamonds, and Thomson says it was a big win.

 

“I don’t think we played as well as we have done recently, but if you want to stay at the top end of the league it’s important to win those sorts of games as well.

 

“We maybe weren’t firing on all cylinders going forward but still managed to get two goals ahead. It was disappointing to lose the goal just before half-time but I think we were pretty comfortable in the second half and it was an important three points.”

 

Airdrie face Clyde on Saturday, having already recorded two victories over Danny Lennon’s side this season.

 

Thomson played a starring role in both - a 3-2 Betfred Cup win in July and August’s 3-1 League One victory.

 

“We’ve had a good record against Clyde this season and we’ve scored a few goals past them.

 

“We need to go into this one with a similar attitude. We know that every game is important now, whether it’s against a team at the top or a team at the bottom.”

 

The trip to Broadwood will see Airdrie’s final match before Christmas, and the players got plenty of social media attention as they enjoyed a well-earned festive night out in Newcastle last weekend - dressed as WWE wrestlers.

 

Craig says spirits are high in the Diamonds dressing room.

 

“It was a really good weekend - the boys all agreed that was probably one of the best ones we’ve all had.

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“Stuff like that is great for morale, going out after a win and all the players mixing and having a great laugh - even if the outfits were a bit dodgy!”

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Manager Ian Murray won’t be in the dugout at Broadwood after a judicial panel this week issued a two-match ban for a red card received during the recent match at Raith Rovers, with the second match suspended.

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The Diamonds boss hopes his side can continue their good form in his absence.

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“It’s another big game because of the way the league is. We’ve come out on top twice against Clyde this season but they’re all tough games, especially away from home.”

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Charlie Reilly is the only definite miss for Airdrie, although fellow midfielder Dean Hawkshaw faces late checks after picking up an ankle knock early in the Peterhead match.

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It’s a first Airdrie fixture this season for referee John McKendrick, who is the man in the middle at Broadwood.

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Fans travelling to the match should note that Airdrie supporters will access the main stand through turnstiles A (adults - cash), B (concessions - cash) and C (adults - contactless). Parking is in the West Stand car park.