Scott Agnew expects a confident display as the Diamonds welcome Alloa Athletic to the Penny Cars Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Agnew returned to Airdrie’s starting line-up at the weekend as Airdrie drew 0-0 with league leaders Queen’s Park, and the player/assistant manager believes the result could prove to be a good point away from home - providing the team can take maximum points from Tuesday’s rearranged fixture.

“It was a difficult game, Queen’s Park are obviously a good side and they’re leading the table at the moment.

“I thought defensively we were very good, I thought our shape was good. It took us probably 15-20 minutes to settle into the game, but once we settled in we were comfortable.

“It’s a decent point going in to Tuesday, if we go and win that it makes it an even better point.”

Having featured mainly from the substitutes bench in recent weeks, Agnew was pleased to step back into the starting line-up after a difficult few weeks for the squad.

The 34-year-old midfielder insists his coaching role is set aside when he’s on the park, with his attention fully focussed on his playing duties.

“Obviously it’s good to be back in the team and doing a job when I can. Sitting in front of the back four was a little bit different for me, but I just do what I can and try and support the boys round about me.

“I’m a player on the pitch. I’m one of the older lads so naturally I’m going to drag people about and be loud and vocal - but I’ve done that for the last few years anyway!”

In a career stretching back to his senior debut in 2006, Scott has featured for a number of clubs around Scotland, including Tuesday’s opponents Alloa - and he’s looking forward to the opportunity to line up against them in what is proving to be a very close-run League 1 campaign.

“It’s been very stop/start for us with the cancellation. I know it’s a cliche, but every game is tough.”

“Alloa beat Falkirk 2-0 and they’ll be coming full of confidence on Tuesday night, but we’ll be the same - we’ll be looking to win the game.”

Manager Ian Murray was encouraged by a different side to the Diamonds’ play as they defended solidly to earn their first league clean sheet of the season.

The Diamonds boss wants to see that determination combined with the attacking flair seen in earlier matches.

“If we can get it all going together - the good play and the digging in - then we’ll be a very hard team to beat.

“We’re a hard team to play against, but we’re a much harder team to play for. That’s testament to the players and how they’ve worked since they came back in the summer.

“We’re ready now to kick on, and hopefully Tuesday night is the start of that.”

Callum Smith is expected to return to the squad after missing the trip to Firhill with a slight hamstring strain, and fellow striker Salim Kouider-Aïssa has returned to training following his self-isolation period. Defender Josh Kerr is also thought to be nearing a return.

Referee Chris Fordyce takes charge of his first Airdrie match of the season.

Tickets for Tuesday’s 7:45pm kick-off are available from the link below, with our DTVLive stream also available for anyone who can’t make it along to the stadium.